One position at Maryland that does not get the attention it deserves is the offensive line. After three veterans announced their return for the 2022 season, the Terps return every starter from last year while developing some young talent. This experienced group could be one of the best in the Big Ten in 2022 as we take a dive into the unit.
Tackles:
Jaelyn Duncan: A starter since he was a redshirt freshman, Duncan has a chance to reach the 40-game mark this year. Head coach Mike Locksley credited Duncan's development through the course of the 2019 season, propelling his status as a bookend tackle along the Terps' offensive line. He could have declared for the draft after the 2021 season, but announced to his teammates and coaches after the bowl win that he'll return for his senior year and that decision could pay off for him in a big way. Duncan has an opportunity to make the All-Big Ten team in 2022 after being an honorable mention for the last two years. With his talent and experience, Duncan will look to elevate himself as a possible day one or two selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Spencer Anderson: Like Ellis McKennie was for the Terps' offensive line in 2019, Spencer "Mr. Versatile" Anderson has played everywhere on Maryland’s offensive line. He started as the right tackle in 2021 but moved to center as Aric Harris acclimated himself to the pace in college. In 2022, Anderson will be back at right tackle, his preferred position, where he and Duncan make arguably one of the best tackle duos in the Big Ten. Like Duncan, he was an All-Big Ten honorable mention and has a chance to make the team this year. Anderson could also be a name for NFL teams to keep an eye on.
DJ Glaze: If Duncan left for the 2022 NFL Draft, Glaze would most likely be the left tackle this year. He started six games at tackle last year, including the final four at right tackle when Anderson was moved to center. His development over the last year has been one of the biggest success stories on the offensive side of the ball and heading into 2022, Glaze goes into this year as the top back-up for both left and right tackle but could be the starter at right guard. If Anderson or Duncan were to go down Maryland would be in good shape as Glaze has already proved himself to be a capable tackle in the Big Ten.
Marcus Finger: Finger’s heading into his fourth year with the Terps. In three years, he’s only played in two games as he battled through injuries during the 2021 season. With the two-deep at tackle just about set, he’ll need to show how far he has come in his development. With Anderson and Duncan leaving after this year, Finger could have more of an opportunity in 2023 as offensive line coach Brian Braswell builds his depth.
Tommy Varhall: The towering 6-foot-8, 315-pound former walk-on didn’t play in a game last year as he battled through injuries.
Bruno Onwuazor: Another former walk-on, Onwuazor also didn’t appear in a game last year.
Kyle Long: The only offensive line signee from 2021, Long early enrolled last year and played in one game. He’s still developing and could slide in as a guard, but is a piece to the Terps' future along the offensive line.
Guards/Centers:
Johari Branch: Branch’s return to College Park should not be overlooked. Branch has started all 18 games at guard since arriving in College Park, but took first-string snaps at center over the spring as the staff shuffled pieces around to find the optimal starting rotation. Whether he is at guard or center, Branch will be important to the offensive line’s success this year. The Chicago native, who also graduated last week, was named to the Pro Football Focus OL of the week following the week four win over Kent State.
Mason Lunsford: Lunsford, a Good Counsel product from Locksley's first recruiting class, has developed nicely to stabilize the starting rotation. After learning and conditioning his first two years, he started every game at left guard in 2021. Lunsford was the only offensive lineman to start every game at the same position last year. Lunsford was held out of the spring game due to a minor injury, but going into his fourth year with a full starting season under his belt, the 6-foot-7 local product will resume his role as the starting left guard.
Aric Harris: Harris arrived during the summer of last year and was the week one starter at center. However, because of his youth and late arrival, he struggled with endurance during the season. Harris was moved to second-string heading into the Penn State game with Anderson taking over at center, but this offseason, Harris dedicated himself to reshaping his body. “He didn't have the necessary time needed to learn all of it at that time. He has really bought into it,” Braswell said heading into spring ball. “He's in my office right now trying to improve what he did last year.” Harris is still the second-string center now, but that could change depending on how much he has grown as a player. A full offseason gives Maryland a quality, long-term piece that they're confident can step into the starting rotation if needed.
Amelio Moran: Moran was the top reserve at guard last year. He played in all 13 games in 2021 as a reserve guard and tackle. Heading into his senior season, Moran will give the guards a depth piece and could be ready to step in if one of the starters goes down.
Khris Love: Love has been at Maryland for two years and has appeared in one game as he's reframed his body. His development will be something to look at this year, as offensive linemen normally take a few years to develop.
Ja’Khi Green: Green is heading into his third year at Maryland, having appeared in two games in each of his first two seasons. Green has gotten praises from coaches in the past and now might be the time to show why. The footwork that he's flashed in his 6-foot-5 frame positions him to make an impact as he's become a piece the staff is confident in.
Sean Wilkins: A former walk-on, Wilkins has yet to appear in a game for the Terps.
New Arrivals:
Andre Roye: Normally, offensive linemen are nowhere close to seeing the field as a true freshman. Roye, who is running second string at left tackle, might not be like most offensive linemen as he’s done nothing but impress people since he’s arrived on campus. He has reshaped his body during his short time at Maryland and did well during spring practice. Offensive linemen are not supposed to be on the two-deep right away. However, Roye could be one of the few that does.
Max McCree: McCree was a junior college transfer that was brought in to add depth at tackle. He was an early enrollee and has a head start over the other incoming offensive linemen. The experienced addition solidified the Terps' depth at tackle, where he was taking second-team reps at right tackle
Ja’Kavion Nonar: Nonar was expected to enroll early in College Park, but has wrapped up his senior season and will enroll in the program next week. The former Florida three-star prospect is the more developed tackle prospect between he and Keon Kindred, his high school teammate, yet still joins the program with a very high ceiling. He'll have an opportunity to crack the two-deep heading into the 2023 season once Maryland is tasked with replacing Jaelyn Duncan and Spencer Anderson, but his size and athleticism make Nonar someone to keep an eye on down the road.
Keon Kindred: Kindred is Nonar’s high school teammate and is also coming in as a tackle prospect. A redshirt season to build strength could be optimal as the former-three star prospect is considered a raw prospect that will take time to develop.
Coltin Deery: Maryland’s future at center, Deery’s wrestling background will come in handy. He’ll use this year to work on his body and learn the Terps’ offense. The Malvern Prep standout will also wrestle in College Park and recently shared his 365-pound max on bench press, along with 22 reps of 225. Deery gives the Terps a quality center and a future starter. Deery locked in with the Terps early in the cycle with running backs coach Elijah Brooks in pursuit and never wavered.
Verdict: Offensive line is a position that has a good mix of veterans and young talent. The Terps could be set there for this year and beyond.
Up Next: The Tight End group.
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The last time I felt this comfortable with the offensive line Ralph was the head coach. A long time coming. Lox gettin’ it done!
Great article! I worried that Nonar and Kindred might not make it this fall after not enrolling in the spring like they planned. I feel really good with the depth they’re building along both lines, because like Ahmed shared below, those aren’t quick fix positions.
I'll go ahead and make a prediction that we'll have at least 3 OL make an all conference team and 2 of them will be either on the first, second or third team.
Who do you think is the better NFL prospect? Duncan or Anderson?
Been a long time since we could be comfortable with the