Maryland releases Week 2 depth chart, Mike Locksley speaks up about left tackle position

Maryland absolutely dominated in Week 1, defeating Howard 79-0.

RELATED: Mike Locksley couldn’t have asked for a better debut

For Week 2, the Terrapins will be facing a higher quality opponent in No. 21 Syracuse. The Orange have more talent than Howard, there’s no question about it.

RELATED: AP releases Week 2 top 25 poll

Maryland will have to play good football once again if it wants to win and move to 2-0. Part of how the Terrapins can do that is if they protect QB Josh Jackson. Syracuse registered 8 sacks in Week 1 and if Jackson is getting hit consistently, it will be tough to pull out the upset.

That brings us to Maryland’s left tackle situation. The Terrapins utilized two players — Jaelyn Duncan, a redshirt freshman, and Ellis McKennie, a senior — at left tackle in Week 1 and on Tuesday, coach Mike Locksley talked about the latest on that position and an updated depth chart was released:

No changes to the depth chart this week — left tackle spot still up for grabs.

Protecting Josh Jackson’s blindside could be the biggest key to a 2-0 start. Syracuse, which has a pair of preseason all-ACC selections at defensive end, had eight sacks in its opener at Liberty. pic.twitter.com/cXCuqsTKaL

— Josh Stirn (@Josh_Stirn) September 3, 2019

“I was pleased with how [Jaelyn Duncan] came in and how he performed in his time,” Locksley said. “We need to get him as many reps [as possible] because he’s a new starter. So every rep Jaelyn gets he’ll get better and be better for that rep. I can’t say enough about Ellis McKennie and his versatility and what he brings to our offensive line. He can play all five spots and we’re going to continue to find ways to get him on the field because he makes us better.”

Both Duncan and McKennie played against Howard, but how will Locksley play it out in Week 2 against a much better opponent?

We’ll find out at noon ET on Saturday, Sept. 7 on ESPN.