Maryland safety Jalen Huskey impresses during Shrine Bowl week

Ahmed Ghafir
20 minutes ago
2 min read

While Maryland football looks to start putting the pieces of the 2026 roster together with the staff in the final stages of the transfer portal addition phase of the offseason, the program will also look to continue its recent NFL Draft success under head coach Mike Locksley with former Maryland safety Jalen Huskey paving the way to continue the streak of defensive backs drafted.

Huskey has drawn buzz as a potential day two or three draft pick with a chance to make it five consecutive years with at least one Maryland defensive back selected, though he also turned heads during his first week of scouting.

Huskey ended the week of practice named to the West All-Practice Team alongside Nebraska cornerback Ceyair Wright in the secondary before drawing the start in Tuesday’s Shrine Bowl and registering a pair of tackles and a pass defended.

“I’m super versatile, I can play anywhere you want me to in the secondary so I think I showcased that this week,” Huskey said after meeting with the Washington Commanders during the week of practice.

The local product also drew practice during the week off the heels of his one-on-one reps as a standout including a pass breakup at the goal line while Huskey, who transitioned from cornerback to safety in college, believes he can transition into a nickel corner if needed.

“I’m extremely comfortable with that. I think I can really do it so there’s no hesitation. If you need me to go play nickel, I can do it,” he added.

After being named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year during the annual end of season banquet, Huskey finished the season with four interceptions, tying for the team lead, tying for fourth in the Big Ten and tying for 16th nationally. He also ranked second on the team in tackles with 72, the sixth-most by a defensive back in the conference.

Huskey also transferred into Maryland from Bowling Green after the former Quince Orchard standout materialized into an All-MAC selection during his first two seasons.

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