Cornerback is undoubtedly the biggest position of need for Maryland’s defense this offseason after losing a pair of starters to the NFL and two more rotational pieces to the transfer portal.
Bowling Green cornerback Jalen Huskey became one of the top names available when he entered the transfer portal on Monday, December 4. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound cornerback was named first-team All-MAC in his second season with Bowling Green, tied for first in the MAC with four interceptions while adding another six pass deflections in 12 starts.
So it was no surprise Maryland was among the early contenders for the Frederick native despite a long list of blue bloods in contact. “It was a lot of schools reaching out. It was hectic at first, but I was able to narrow it down and figure out where I really wanted to go so all the hecticness died down.”
Kentucky, Maryland and Oklahoma all emerged as top contenders for the rising junior, but it was Maryland who hosted him first as Huskey entered the weekend with just one visit planned. “It just came through coach Baker and coach Locks. They watched my film and I guess they liked what they saw and started to build a relationship that way.”
Getting the chance to return home, along with have starting safety Dante Trader Jr. as his host, gave the former Quince Orchard standout a chance to get an in-depth look at the program as he admitted Maryland “checked off all the boxes on my list.”
“Feel like I got to see what it’s really like there and I’m excited,” Huskey added. “Just getting to see the inside of the program. I’ve seen the program from the outside but I’ve never got to see what it’s really like and how it really works here and I think just the whole overall experience was the best part for me.”
Huskey’s visit also gave him a chance to sit down and delve into his impact and fit within the Terps scheme alongside Henry Baker as the two built a strong rapport.
“He was just talking about the development he can help me with and how I can help bring in leadership and experience into the position and help the secondary have the great seasons they’ve had over the last couple of years. They talked about the NFL guys some but I already knew about it. I was already familiar with it, so it wasn’t too much selling for me.”
Jalen Huskey added he has no further visits either in the works or set. Huskey can enroll in January and has three years remaining to play two.
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