Maryland’s Shakira Austin, Anthony McFarland, Jalen Smith among ‘19 for 2019’ list

As the 2018 winds down, several news outlets (including this one) reflect on the previous year while looking forward to what’s to come in 2019. The Athletic’s DC site has listed 19 of the most intriguing athletes to watch in 2019 ($), with Maryland’s Shakira Austin, Anthony McFarland and Jalen Smith making the list.

McFarland had a breakout campaign after rehabbing a broken fibula during the 2017 season, running for a school freshman record 1,022 yards. His 298 yards against Ohio State were eight away from the school’s single-game record, and he was named to the Big Ten’s all-freshman team and second team all-conference. Heading into 2019, he should be the centerpiece of an offense that features a plethora of young talent.

Austin has made an immediate impact since arriving in College Park, averaging 10.6 points and a team-high 11.9 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. She’s already won the Big Ten Freshman of the Week award four times in eight weeks, and she and fellow rookie Taylor Mikesell have been stellar additions to a talented Maryland roster. Austin should only get better as her career progresses, and those around the program believe the sky is the limit.

Like Austin, Smith is another freshman big who’s made an impact right away. “Stix” has averaged 11.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in what could be his only year at Maryland. He and Bruno Fernando paired together make one of the toughest frontcourts to guard in college basketball.

Also making the list is Maryland women’s basketball commit Ashley Owusu, who’s ESPNw’s No. 5 overall player and top point guard in the Class of 2019. She’s the top player in a star-studded Terps class that ESPNw ranks No. 3 in the country.

In other news

Maryland football defensive backs coach and local recruiting ace Azaar Abdul-Rahim is joining Walt Bell’s staff at UMass as the defensive coordinator.

Mike Locksley talked about his new job at Maryland while helping Alabama prepare for the Orange Bowl.

The Terps are on the outside looking in of top local prospect and wide receiver Rakim Jarrett’s top six.

Maryland women’s basketball starts Big Ten play tonight at Penn State. Here’s Sean’s preview.

NCAA.com’s Joe Boozell has Bruno Fernando as one of his seven scary defenders.

Maryland wrestling will end 2018 competing in the prestigious Midlands Tournament.

Maryland basketball commit Makhel Mitchell scored 18 points in Wilson’s win in the DeMatha Christmas Tournament.