Maryland football draws recognition from PFF, Big Ten after Wisconsin win

Chase King
Sep 22
3 min read

The Maryland Terrapins went on the road and beat Wisconsin in what was their fourth straight win by double digits. With the Terps taking care of Wisconsin, they have gotten more recognition from both the Big Ten and PFF.

For the second time this season, quarterback Malik Washington was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after throwing for 265 yards and accounting for three total touchdowns, becoming the first Big Ten quarterback since 2000 to throw for 250 yards in each of his first four career games. Washington previously won the award following his college debut as the freshman phenom continues to make the case for one of the best in the country.

Washington was joined by linebacker Daniel Wingate, who was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

Wingate was once again a standout for the Terps, this time playing a larger part in the pass rush game, recording two pressures and his first sack of the season. He continued to be a big part of the run game as well, having 1.5 TFL and 11 total tackles. He also did well in coverage, only allowing one catch for five yards. Wingate was given a PFF grade of 79.4, while his 39 total tackles leads the Big Ten after posting ten or more tackles in three games.

Wingate was also one of two players recognized by PFF on Sunday after being named the Big Ten Team of the Week alongside sophomore CB ‘Kerm’ Humes.

Humes finished the game, allowing only one catch for four yards on two targets while also recording a pass breakup. He was extremely effective in the slot and received a 75.7 defense grade and a 76.4 coverage grade.

Senior safety Jalen Huskey was the highest-rated player on the team despite not making the PFF Team of the Week. He made plays everywhere, including an interception in which he returned to the 4-yard line. He ended the game with nine solo tackles, whilst helping heavily in the coverage and run game. He was given an 80.5 defensive grade and an 84.8 coverage grade

Other top performers on the Terps defense include Cam Rice (77.3), Sidney Stewart (74), Dontay Joyner (72.7), Zahir Mathis (69.6) and DD Holmes (68.5)

On the offensive side, none of the Terps made it on the PFF Big Ten team of the week, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t any great performers.

True freshman QB Malik Washington was the Terps' top graded offensive player with a 74.0 offensive grade and a 74.9 passing grade. He was credited with two “big-time throws” coming on the deep shots to Octavian Smith Jr. and Shaleak Knotts. Washington ended the game 18-for-34 for 265 yards and 2 TDs, but PFF credited Malik Washington with an adjusted-completion percentage of 75%.

His most productive WR was senior Octavian Smith Jr., who finished the game with six receptions for a career high 113 yards. He was the second-highest graded offensive player via PFF with a 72.1 offensive grade.

His two passing touchdowns were to senior WR Shaleak Knotts. Knotts was a four-star who has stuck with the Terps despite not seeing the field often in his first three years. Knotts ended the game with 3 receptions for 80 yards and got an offensive PFF grade of 69.8.

Other top offensive performers via PFF include DeJuan Williams (70.7), Alan Herron (65.0) and Kaleb Webb (63.3).

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