Amory Hills becomes staple in Maryland football's starting offensive line

13 hours ago

3 min read

The offensive line has been under the microscope for the last three seasons now with a need to establish a more consistent rushing attack. While Maryland entered the season with three established starters and Ryan Howerton locking down the starting spot at right guard, portal addition Tellek Lockette opened the regular season as the starting left guard with the offensive staff evaluating the revamped offense.

In week two against Hampton, there was only one change in the trenches: sophomore Amory Hills earned the nod at left guard. And he hasn't looked back since then. Hills has started the last eight games at guard for an offensive line that has allowed ten sacks this season, ranked second-fewest among Big Ten teams.

In addition to being team captain, former Milford Mill (Md.) product arrived in College Park with versatility along the offensive line having played all three positions, including center as a senior. The transition to College Park began in June 2025 where he drew reps at guard, appearing in all 12 games where he consistently served as part of the offensive line rotation. That set the stage for Hills to take the jump in 2026, pointing to the work with his coaches along with the film room.

"I feel like it took a lot of hard work with my coaches. They always pushed me, were very hard on me to become better to get to that role," Hills told IBG. "Understanding how to watch film and learn it properly helped me make the biggest jump because now I know what to expect on the field more than my freshman year."

Film study wasn't just an individual thing for Hills as he and the offensive line met to break down film together. "We like to watch film together so we help each other out, give each other cues, tell us what to what to watch out for because we all move as one unit," Hills added. "I feel like we're more of a unit and I say that because we move more as one now. I feel like we were always going towards the right path, but now it's just time to lock in, lock into it a little bit more."

Maryland ranks 99th nationally with 36 runs over ten yards in 2026, though last week featured a 75 yard touchdown run from DeJuan Williams, making the redshirt sophomore running back one of 15 players across FBS with at least two 70+ yard runs this season. Yet for a team that has struggled to create consistency on the ground, Maryland is now preparing to face a Badgers' defense that holds opponents to 101 rushing yards per game, including 97 yards in conference play.

"Respect your opponent. Never be too happy, never be too down. Always stay level-headed," Hills said about prepping for the Badgers.

Yet Saturday also marks an opportunity for Maryland to do what it hasn't done since Sept. 2023 -- win consecutive Big Ten games. More importantly, Maryland will look to build on the renewed momentum under the interim staff led by Aazaar Abdul-Rahim.

"Coach Aazaar has been amazing. He definitely brings a lot of energy at practice and kept our morale high. He pushes us and expects a lot from us," Hills said.

"He's definitely pulled some people to the side, talked to us, spend more time meeting. He sits down and meetings with the offensive line, different positions. Just building a more personal relationship with us outside of football, just generally, be a coach of his team and have a strong connection with who he's coaching."

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