2024 Maryland football position preview: running backs

After reviewing the quarterbacks, we take a look at Maryland’s running back room in 2024. Roster Overview SR Colby McDonald R-Jr. Roman Hemby R-Fr. Nolan Ray FR Josiah McLaurin FR DeJuan Williams What to Know This might be the year where fans see a bit different approach to the Maryland offense with the running back room expected to become a key part in the Terps’ offensive identity. Roman Hemby gave outside interest little-to-no attention once the offseason kicked off as the John Carroll graduate is back in College Park for his fourth season, expected to be a key piece in the room once again. Hemby’s big-play ability has always been clear where his sub-4.4 speed makes him a nightmare in the open field, but creating space and making his defenders miss in the second level is the next step heading into 2024. But if there’s a player who can push Hemby this season, it’s second-year running back Nolan Ray. There’s a bit of Lorenzo Harrison to Ray’s game the way he proved to be a tough tackle through spring ball, but after a season filled with injuries behind him, the Michigan native has showcased impressive body control, vision and elusiveness this offseason to set the stage for an increased role in year two. Veteran running back Colby McDonald rounds out the rotation as a dependable back after proving himself as the offense’s most efficient runner last fall. Maryland also added a pair of freshmen running backs in DeJuan Williams, who has progressed well from his ACL injury that sidelined him for his senior season, inching him closer to full strength to become full go once fall camp begins the first week of August. North Carolina athlete Josiah McLaurin adds the speed to the room to be used as a versatile athlete, similar to the threat second-year WR Braeden Wisloski poses in space, after posting a 22.83 MPH Catapult-verified time at 6-foot, 180-pounds. And with the rushing attack expected to become a bigger part of the Terps’ offensive identity this fall, the freshmen duo will have a chance to get their feet wet through the first month of the season before conference play picks up. Biggest question: can Maryland find the consistency it needs on the ground? With the quarterback room still unsettled, the importance of the running back room may be dialed up a bit compared to 2023. With a pair of veteran running backs leading the way and Nolan Ray proving himself capable of becoming the next feature back, the commitment to finding more consistency on the ground remains crystal clear and will likely determine how efficient the offense can be through conference play. Maryland finished with the third-fewest rushing yards per game among Big Ten teams in 2023, but fared even worse through conference play after averaging just 87 yards on the ground. Part of that was the presence of veteran quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa with a veteran receiver room at his disposal, but part of that was on Maryland's inefficiencies on the ground with the offensive line a work in progress through the season. And after bringing in four new offensive linemen this offseason, Maryland will look to bolster its run blocking with a veteran running back room looking to build off flashes of success during the season. While the addition of Damian Wroblewski aids the development of the offensive line, head coach Mike Locksley pointed to the hire of offensive analyst Brian Ferentz as someone who can be part of the Terps’ solution this fall. "He’s like any other analyst -- he brings something that I like. Anywhere he’s been, he’s been a part of running the football. What we do is what we do. He’s coming in as an analyst. He’ll make suggestions, he’ll have the ability to, but he has a skill that I liked. I mean, the emphasis for me is how do we develop the run game on offense? To have a Brian Ferentz who has been a part of some of the best offensive lines and some of the best run games, giving ideas how they did it to add some of the stuff we already do. It’s a win for me and it came cheap.” Related Links Two big board movers (+)Intel: rumblings on an ACC pledge + local wide receiverMaryland pledge set to return to campus in late July as in-state schools lurkKevin Willard on Georgetown series, how Derik Queen & Julian Reese fit togetherLocal CB Khary Adams recaps June workout at Maryland, talks fall visit plansAthlon projects Maryland football to finish middle of the pack in 2024 Big Ten