Several Maryland rookies shine, find endzone in first week of preseason

The NFL preseason is officially in full swing with week one wrapped up as several former Maryland stars made big plays, some for the first time.

That includes Giants cornerback Deonte Banks, who made a great first impression in their 21-16 loss against the Detroit Lions. Banks was lined up on former Alabama and 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams and shut him down. He had 23 coverage snaps, was targeted three times and didn’t give up a single reception. Banks also recorded one tackle.

“Banks showed off his speed in coverage against Lions second-year WR Jameson Williams, breaking up a would-be touchdown on a deep shot downfield in the first quarter. He then broke up another pass later in the quarter against a tight end on the sideline,” said Anthony Rivardo of Empire Sports Media.

Banks wasn’t the only former Maryland corner turning heads as Jakorian Bennett continues to find himself in the headlines for all the right reasons.

Bennett started and recorded two tackles in the Raiders’ 34-7 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Raiders legend Marcus Allen praised the JuCo product in his first NFL appearance. “Jakorian does an outstanding job of just really leveraging routes, being in the right place, the right time, making plays on the ball,” said Allen.

Moving over to the AFC North, to the shock of no one, the lineman that former Maryland offensive lineman Spencer Anderson offers has come in handy early. Anderson showed up his versatility in the Steelers’ 27-17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played 37 snaps and was lined up at right tackle and both guard positions. Steelerswire.com said he “shined” in his debut. “One game in, Anderson has been impressive,” said Curt Popejoy.

Meanwhile, Dontay Demus saw the field on both offense and special teams for the Ravens in their 20-19 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, a game that the Terps’ squad enjoyed following their first scrimmage. Demus was targeted one time but didn’t catch a pass in the game.

Chad Ryland didn’t kick any field goals in the Patriots’ loss against the Houston Texans on Thursday. The Patriots only attempted one field goal all game, which was made by Nick Folk. Ryland did get experience with kickoffs and on Monday, was still expected to make the 53-man roster.

Jaelyn Duncan has a chance to take advantage of a vacancy along the Titans’ line and played 28 snaps on offense and three snaps on special teams in their 23-17 loss against the Chicago Bears. During the game, Duncan gave up a big sack on the left side after being beaten off the line by former St. John’s star Terrell Lewis, one of eight sacks allowed by the Titans.

Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. is making a strong case for himself as the third running back In Pittsburgh under OC Matt Canada and in the first game out, he found the endzone on a 14-yard run.

“Ant has just had some situations whether it’s injury, guys in front or all of those things,” Canada added. “He’s done a good job getting better filling out, doing some things. You have seen him in practice, we felt like he had earned the right to see what he could do in those situations.”

DJ Moore is no stranger to big plays and on his first touch as a Bear, he found the endzone on a 62-yard touchdown.

Meanwhile, Rakim Jarrett didn’t play against the Steelers due to a leg injury but was back at practice on Sunday.

Chargers center Johari Branch played 16 snaps (11 offense, 5 special teams) in the 34-17 win in a battle of LA teams match-up with the Rams. After being waived by the Titans, Jacob Copeland only saw the field for one play and didn’t record any stats in the Vikings’ 24-13 loss to the Seahawks.

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