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Despite a sub-.500 record, Maryland showed some offensive flashes of promise in Year 2 of the Mike Locksley era.
Maryland created quite a buzz with a 2-1 start led by big-name transfer QB Taulia Tagovailoa, only to have COVID wipe out its momentum and 4 scheduled games. Yet even after 2020 fizzled to a dissatisfying 2-3 finish, the outlook remains rosy for Locksley’s upstart program.
The offense erupted for 45 and 35 points in consecutive wins vs. Minnesota and Penn State but couldn’t sustain that production. Overall, Maryland averaged 23.6 points, which ranked 97th nationally.
Maryland had 8 winning seasons and 4 finishes in the AP Top 25 from 2001-14. Yet, since their 1st season in the B1G (2014), Maryland hasn’t had a winning record.
Locksley and Maryland are hungry to put last season’s inconsistencies behind them and elevate the offense into a more potent unit.
“And when you look at where we are, we feel really good about how we’ve been able to develop the roster, balance the numbers and make sure that we have enough good players and we’re developing the players in our program,” Locksley said via 247Sports.
So what should we expect from the Maryland offense in the third season of the Mike Locksley era? Let’s take a deep dive and explore:
Passing offense: Better
Taulia Tagovailoa is the key to Maryland’s offense fulfilling its potential. The quarterback posted as many touchdowns (7) as interceptions during his first season at the helm.
In Maryland’s 2 victories, Tagovailoa amassed 676 yards and 6 touchdowns through the air, while rushing for 2 touchdowns. Tagovailoa finished 3rd in the B1G in passing yards per game (252.8) and completion percentage (61.5).
Last season, Tagovailoa validated his decision to leave behind his brother’s shadow at Alabama and chart his own legacy at Maryland. Tagovailoa’s second season at Maryland will need to be even stronger to continue on that arc and help the program return to relevancy.
Locksley believes Tagovailoa is the right quarterback to transform Maryland.
“Now, do I feel like we have a franchise quarterback in ‘Lia? There is no doubt in my mind that he has the skill set, his work ethic, his drive and competitiveness,” Locksley said via Press Box Online. “And it’s really contagious because you see it in some of the players that kind of gravitate toward him.”
Tagovailoa will have a bevy of weapons in the passing game to rely on.
Senior Dontay Demus Jr. is primed to have the best season of his career. Demus Jr. led Maryland last season with 24 receptions, 365 yards and 4 touchdowns. He showed a penchant for chunk yardage, as he averaged 15.2 yards per reception.
Rakim Jarrett should take the next step in his development. Jarrett finished 2nd on Maryland with 17 receptions for 252 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Brian Cobbs and Jeshaun Jones will also be sturdy and capable receivers to call on whenever needed.
Running game: Worse
Tayon Fleet-Davis will take the place of the graduated Jake Funk, who earned 3rd-team all-Big Ten honors. Funk had the highest yards per carry average in the B1G (8.6) and finished 2nd in the conference in yards per game (129.0).
Fleet-Davis only carried the ball 10 times last season for 26 yards. However, Fleet-Davis is a versatile threat who can be used in the passing game, too.
Locksley raves about the leadership and intangibles Fleet-Davis brings to the lineup.
“The one thing that he’s always done whenever he’s been available is he’s always brought it,” Locksley said via 247Sports. “I mean, the energy, leadership, he’s well respected amongst his peers on this team and even last year when he was unavailable for us to play, he practiced as if he was playing.”
Peny Boone should also get a decent amount of touches. Boone averaged 4.5 yards on 19 carries last season.
The duo must at least be serviceable to keep defenses from loading up against Tagovailoa and the passing game.
Maryland’s running backs might be under the radar but coupled with a sturdy offensive line, there could be enough for a dependable ground game. Maryland returns 3 o-line starters, notably Jaelyn Duncan, a left tackle who is garnering attention for All-B1G honors.
The rushing game probably will have to be a by-committee approach but the unit should help balance the passing attack.
Kicking game: Better
Maryland promoted Ron Zook from analyst to special teams coordinator. Zook has 10 years of experience as a college head coach and served as a special teams coordinator in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Kicker Joseph Petrino converted on all of his PATs and finished 4-of-7 on field goal attempts, one of which was a 51-yarder. Petrino should get more attempts with the offense expected to generate more yardage.
Maryland’s returners underwhelmed last season, finishing last in punt returns and 13th in kickoff returns.
Jones (punt returns) and Isaiah Jacobs (kickoff returns) will handle return duties. Jones only returned 2 punts for 5 yards. Jacobs tallied 147 yards on 9 kickoff returns.
Don’t count on too many fireworks from the Maryland kicking game, but compared to last season’s unit, it will be an improvement.
Overall: Better
The offense is anchored by a budding quarterback, a dynamic group of wide receivers and a solid offensive line. There’s plenty of pieces to envision an offensive uptick. A bowl appearance could follow suit if the Maryland offense shows marked improvement.
Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.