Maryland’s defense was able to come away with two interceptions for the third time in 2022 to help defeat NC State in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Friday afternoon. With cornerback Jakorian Bennett exhausting his eligibility and Deonte Banks opting for the 2023 NFL Draft, Maryland is in the market for another cornerback even after securing former Cincinnati veteran Ja’Quan Sheppard.
Maryland was among a handful of Power Five schools to extend an offer to former East Tennessee cornerback Marquez Henry after defensive grad assistant Brett Kulka initiated contact earlier this month. “I really didn’t see it coming. They hit me up out of the blue since they liked my film and they wanted me to come up on a visit as well,” Henry added. He’s now expecting to officially visit Maryland the second weekend of January.
“They see me fitting in coming down in the run game, filling the gaps. More as a nickel corner. They talked about how they had 32 scouts to their practice to watch their guys. The defense they run will help me get to play on Sundays so it would already be familiar for me. It would be a great opportunity to get where I’m going as long as I come in and work.”
Maryland isn’t alone as Texas A&M, Austin Peay, Oregon State, Tennessee State and Boston College are in pursuit while Idaho is working to get him on a visit. But given that he’s eligible to enroll at his next school next month, Henry isn’t looking to prolong the process. That’s part of Maryland’s pitch. “They’re trying to have me enroll in January for spring ball so I can get used to the plays and stuff, see where I’m best needed at.”
Henry began his career at Jacksonville State in 2019 where he appeared in one game as a true freshman. After sitting along the sidelines in 2020, Henry transferred to East Tennessee in 2021 where he appeared in all but one game on special teams. He then notched one pass deflections in a pair of appearances in 2022 and opted to transfer back on December 23.
“I’m just looking for a better opportunity. We also had a coaching change so it was just a couple things ran differently and you can tell by what season we had this year compared to last year. I’m looking for a good environment and better opportunity somewhere to get a chance to play in the NFL.”
Henry has two years of eligibility remaining.
Related Links
VIP: QB plans, OL pursuit, offseason objectives (+)
Mike Locksley talks Mayo bath, defensive performance in win vs. NC State
Instant reactions: Maryland 16, NC State 12
Portal OL expected to officially visit Maryland (+)
Preview: Maryland men’s basketball wraps up nonconference play vs. UMBC