Maryland football has promising wide receivers, but it’s unclear who steps up in 2017

Maryland’s passing game wasn’t exactly its strength in 2016, but three Terrapin receivers put together impressive seasons. Sophomore D.J. Moore and seniors Levern Jacobs and Teldrick Morgan each hauled in over 40 passes for over 400 yards, and the trio combined for 12 touchdown receptions.

Moore is the only member of that group returning for this season, though. He was certainly the best of the bunch last year—his 637 yards and six scores led the team—but there aren’t many known quantities behind him. Aside from Moore, the Terps return only three catches and 21 yards from the 2016 team.

The veteran supporting cast is certainly interesting. There’s Taivon Jacobs, who was one of Maryland’s top wideouts in 2015 but missed virtually all of last season with an injury. Jacquille Veii transferred from Maryland to Towson to Maryland, but he’s finally eligible for the Terps again. DJ Turner impressed in the spring game, but he still only has two college catches under his belt. All three are question marks with considerable upside.

Looking at the table, though, it’s the sheer number of freshmen that stands out most. The rookies make up half this group, which makes sense, as four of last season’s five most productive receivers—Jacobs, Morgan, DeAndre Lane and Malcolm Culmer—were seniors. All six of the newcomers were three-star recruits; Tahj Capehart was closest to earning a fourth on the 247Sports Composite. As a result, it’s nearly impossible to gauge which ones will be impact players this season.

Of course, there’s more to a passing game than just wide receivers. Quarterbacks are half the equation, and they’ll have options out of the backfield and in tight ends as well. But a strong group of wideouts certainly helps, and Maryland should have that. We just don’t know who the big contributors will be.

In other news

Here’s a recap of Running Backs week.

Maryland lost potential power back LaDerrien Wilson this weekend. It’s unclear where he goes from here.

The Terps gained a 2018 pledge from safety Raymond Boone, who’s one of the more athletic prospects in the state.

Melo Trimble worked out with the Charlotte Hornets and did some impressive things.

From the Baltimore Sun, our friend Callie Caplan wrote about Cathy Reese and her family balancing life on and off the field.

Utah is adding men’s lacrosse in 2019, and the Utes are apparently considering playing in the Big Ten.