Maryland is set to kickoff fall camp on Friday as the program will host media day ahead of the first practice, officially kicking off year three under head coach Mike Locksley. After the Terps showed promise during the abbreviated and interrupted 2020 season, Maryland will look to bounce back from their 2-3 and build off their success with West Virginia awaiting them on September 4. But what should fans keep an eye on? What are the biggest storylines to watch? After breaking down three battles to track in camp, we discuss our five biggest questions heading into practice number one.
QB competition? We’ve entered fall camp with the assumption that Taulia Tagovailoa remains the starting quarterback heading into year two, but the Terps’ other scholarship quarterback in Reece Udinski will help make that less of a certainty. Udinski took the fast track to recovery and is expected to now be available for camp, giving Tagovailoa a seasoned veteran to compete against. Where Udinski can give Tagovailoa a run for his money is his downfield accuracy and ability to extend plays with his feet, and after shattering program records during his spring season at VMI, Udinski comes in with full confidence. His arrival upgrades the quarterback room from a season ago, but given Tagovailoa’s inconsistency last season, Udinski elevates the competition in the room. Fall camp gives Udinski an opportunity to apply himself in the playbook as he gradually gains comfort within the offense. Udinski didn’t join the Terps’ program to backup Tagovailoa, so watching the two push each other will hopefully bring out the best in both and command Tagovailoa to be at his best this fall.
New starting center The Terps will reshuffle their starting offensive line this season after a pair of offseason transfers. While the starting tackles remain the same in Spencer Anderson (right) and Jaelyn Duncan (left), former Good Counsel lineman Mason Lunsford will likely slide in at left guard with second-year starter Johari Branch flipping to the right side of the line. But all eyes will be on former Hutchinson lineman Aric Harris as he will look to cement his spot as the starting center in camp. It’s been an adjustment for the 6-foot-3 lineman getting into shape for Power Five football and camp will give him a chance to fully acclimate himself to the college speed. Evan Gregory could compete with Harris for the center spot but the spot is Harris’ job for the taking, helping the starting OL add more size compared to last season. Will be a key position to watch.
Step forward for Jordan Mosley? The version of Jordan Mosley that fans saw in the spring game was not the same Jordan Mosley that fans saw line up at safety the last three seasons. After the converted linebacker made the switch to the backline, Mosley struggled to consistently take the right angles in coverage and was frequently caught out of position with the ball in the air. In the spring, though, it felt like Mosley was seemingly around the ball at the end of each play. More assertive in his game, Mosley forced a pair of fumbles, and the confidence fed into his playstyle. It was the type of performance that turned heads and added confidence to what could be for the Terps’ backline in 2021. Sources have also indicated that things have seemed to ‘click’ for the veteran safety as he pairs up with new safeties coach Brian Stewart, paving the way for the type of jump that fans enjoyed from Josh Woods years ago. A step forward from Mosley this season could give the Terps’ one of the best defensive back rooms in the last ten seasons.
Go-to target It’s clear that Dontay Demus is the number one wide receiver heading into the fall as fans should expect the 6-foot-3 receiver to command double teams this fall. Could that pave the way for Tagovailoa to find his go-to target? I think the return of TE Chigoziem Okonkwo helps in that regard and gives the passing attack the reliable target needed. Ever since spring ball, Okonkwo has been a consistent standout inside the Jones-Hill House and has presented challenges to the Terps’ defense in practice. The dynamic tight end carries a chip on his shoulder after missing the 2020 season and has been a handful for the defense in practice. Even with a deep crop of talent along the outside and in the slot, Okonkwo’s presence is the cherry on top for the passing attack and will play a big role.
Freshmen Development Maryland will have a chance to capitalize on the four-game redshirt rule this fall as the deep ‘21 haul basks in their first full season with the program. Maryland has several freshmen that are strong candidates to play a big role this season, such as OLB Demeioun Robinson, TE CJ Dippre, CB Corey Coley, and linebackers Branden Jennings and Gereme Spraggins. But the Terps also signed a large defensive line haul last year in Taizse Johnson, Tommy Akingbesote, Andre Porter, and Darrell Jackson as defensive line coach Brian Williams will be tasked with staggering the depth in the room. All four project as interior guys, though Akingbesote, Porter, and Jackson could line up across the line once they’re more seasoned. But who redshirts? Who plays through? The same could be said for the tight end room with Dippre, Weston Wolff, and Leron Husbands though Husbands is expected to miss time this season. The ‘21 class helped stack the roster with more talent as fans will enjoy the production for the next four seasons, but tracking who separates themselves will be fun to watch.