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Maryland vs. Towson: three things to watch for

The wait is over. After finishing 8-5 last season with a win in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl over NC State, Maryland officially begins the 2023 season today at 3:30 PM against the Towson Tigers at SECU Stadium. Though official betting lines have not been released, Maryland is expected to be a heavy favorite against a Towson team looking to start strong in Pete Shinnick’s first game as head coach. So, what should Maryland fans watch for in the opener? We look at three things.

Offensive line play & rotations If you want a quick outlook on how Maryland could fare in 2023, it ends with noting that the team’s success hinges on the development of its offensive line. DJ Glaze, the lone returnee from last year’s starting five, has moved over from right to left tackle and looks to be the leader of the unit. With graduations and surprise exits from center Coltin Deery and guard Mason Lunsford, Maryland was busy in the transfer portal and reeled in Corey Bullock, Mike Purell, Marcus Dumervil, and Gottlieb Ayedze. Dumervil was brought in as a future piece while Ayedze could fill in as the starting right tackle, but for week one, all eyes will be on Bullock and Purcell as likely starters at guard and center. Amelio Moran has been rotating in with the ones at both guard spots through the spring into camp as he looks to make his first career start. Even though it appears everything worked out for the Terps, this will be the unit’s first look in a real game. Being in sync with each other will be important as they must protect quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa and open up running lanes for the backs. How long will it take them to do that? And if Maryland takes care of business, do fans see the depth pieces play with guys like Marcus Dumervil, Kyle Long, Ja’Kavion Nonar and Andre Roye part of the future at the position? Saturday gives the unit its first chance to not just create on-field chemistry against a new opponent, but a chance for the young players to get their feet wet. Which brings us to…

Can the young Terps shine? Head coach Mike Locksley has never been afraid to play true freshmen if he feels like they will make an impact. The rule that allows players to play four games and retain their redshirt has also helped get these players on the field in year one, and with week one a chance for Maryland to establish an early lead, don’t be surprised if a good number of true freshmen find themselves some playing time. The question is, who will the standouts be if things go according to plan on Saturday? Tight end Rico Walker is a name to watch, while summer enrollees AJ Szymanski and Dylan Wade drew praise from Locksley when speaking about an emerging tight end room. “We’re really young, but guys like Rico Walker and Dylan Wade and Preston Howard, who didn’t play a lot for us a year ago. All those guys are tall, athletic, big, strong bodied guys that can block the C-area, run routes vertically, get open, create advantages. And I’ve been really happy even with, you know, AJ Szymanski is a guy that also as a young player, because of his size, he’s got it. I expect to be able to create a role for himself,” Locksley said. “I’ve got to, as I like to say, grow them fast, as fast as I possibly can and get them game experience that’ll benefit them in the long run and benefit us.” Former Good Counsel teammates Dylan Gooden and Neeo Avery, along with linebacker Michael Harris could give a glimpse of what the future looks like on defense. Same thing with DJ Samuels, Tamarcus Cooley, and Dillan Fontus. At receiver, Braeden Wisloski and Ryan Manning look to be the most likely candidates to take advantage of their playing time.

Who steps in at EDGE? Just like with the offensive line, edge rusher has been the biggest talking point for Maryland’s defense. Durell Nchami used up his eligibility last year and Jaishawn Barham found himself line up on the outside, in addition to starring at the MIKE. Donnell Brown was brought in from Saint Francis (PA) where he had 23.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in three seasons there. He was also a two-time FCS All-American, All-NEC, and the 2022 NEC defensive player of the year. A speedy edge rusher, Brown will now be counted on to get to the quarterback and slow down the running game while a keen name to remember is second-year linebacker Kellen Wyatt. The former Spalding star has refined his pass-rushing skill through the offseason and after filling in primarily at SAM as a true freshman, Wyatt’s versatility has been evident as he's now labeled as a JACK heading into 2023. While defensive end Quashon Fuller will look to man the defensive end spot, don’t forget about outside ‘backer Avery in his first career game as a Terp. The former four-star is a high-ceiling player who could see the field often as a freshman if he can prove himself right away. After starring as the Falcons’ quarterback as a junior, Avery’s recruitment hit another level when he made the move to defensive end—his preferred position—midway through the season. After bouncing back from a torn ACL that sidelined him for roughly half of his senior season, now Avery gets a chance to put it all together after his first fall camp with the program. Nonetheless, Saturday gives fans a chance to familiarize themselves with the front seven as the Terps enter year two of Brian Williams leading the defense.

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