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Maryland football had a vast range of former players on NFL rosters this preseason, from sure locks to those fighting for a chance to make their squad.
NFL teams were required to cut their active rosters down to 53 players by Saturday evening ahead of the 2020 season kicking off on Sept. 10. With no preseason, players only had practices and scrimmages during training camp to show coaches they deserve a spot.
Here’s how the former Terps fared.
On initial active rosters:
LB Josh Woods - Bears
WR Stefon Diggs - Bills
DL Quinton Jefferson - Bills
RB Ty Johnson - Lions
WR DJ Moore - Panthers
LB Jermaine Carter - Panthers
RB Anthony McFarland Jr. - Steelers
DB Sean Davis - Steelers
DL Byron Cowart - Patriots
DB J.C. Jackson - Patriots
DB Darnell Savage - Packers
DL Yannick Ngakoue - Vikings
Defensive Back Sean Davis had quite the interesting offseason. He signed a new deal with the Washington Football Team, but then was getting released this week. And soon after, he resigned with the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking the spot of another former Terp.
Running back Anthony McFarland Jr. was the lone newcomer to join an active roster in an extremely unusual season for rookies in 2020, finding a spot as one of four backs with the Steelers.
For many players who signed on as undrafted free agents, the 2020 offseason presented a huge challenge with no preseason game action to impress coaches. Several Terps didn’t make active rosters, but landed on practice squads on Sunday.
Former Terps on initial practice squads:
S Antoine Brooks Jr. - Steelers
RB Trey Edmunds - Steelers
OT Derwin Gray - Steelers
G Michael Dunn - Browns
TE Tyler Mabry - Seahawks
Other notable Terps that were left off both active and practice squads include Javon Leake, Tino Ellis and Keandre Jones who reportedly had workouts with other franchises in hopes of remaining on the radar. Former XFL standout Cavon Walker was also cut from the Steelers despite having a strong campaign with the New York Guardians.
In other news
On the opening weekend of the college football season, Maryland football reminded everyone that they’ve won 10-straight openers.
10 years of season opening dubs.
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) September 5, 2020
Can't wait to be back out there. pic.twitter.com/JDJCu1Jeyo
The streak of season-opening wins has been ongoing since Maryland stuffed Navy on the goal line in 2010 at M&T Bank Stadium.
Go Terps, Beat Navy
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) September 6, 2020
An epic goal line stop gave us the dub in Baltimore, 9/6/11. pic.twitter.com/CrG4877aH5
This weekend also marked the ninth anniversary of the Maryland Pride uniform debut against Miami.
MARYLAND PRIDE!
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) September 5, 2020
The debut and the dub over Miami was today, nine years ago. pic.twitter.com/VImsisISN2
Maryland men’s basketball also took advantage of a fast-rising clip to tease its 2003 upset of No. 1 Florida on the road.
Stay tuned for a surprise!
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) September 5, 2020
Terps > Gators. pic.twitter.com/Uh43V1WoBJ
Former Maryland men’s soccer goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair made his first professional start for Minnesota United Sunday.
#MNUFC pic.twitter.com/hQU0nNQzdP
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) September 7, 2020
In that match, fellow Maryland teammate Chase Gasper put Minnesota on the board first with his first career goal.
CHASE!!!!
— Maryland Soccer (@MarylandMSoccer) September 7, 2020
A composed finish gives our guy his first goal as a pro! pic.twitter.com/KbvsVHnWcP
Former Maryland men’s soccer midfielder Eryk Williamson also notched his first career MLS goal Sunday.
ERYK, A BEAUTY @erykw19 bags his first MLS goal! pic.twitter.com/R1qKWTJOrf
— Maryland Soccer (@MarylandMSoccer) September 7, 2020
Williamson also added a late assist to help lead Portland Timbers to a 2-1 victory.
The pass. The finish. GET IN BOYS!#SEAvPOR | #RCTID pic.twitter.com/Un3LIUKoHg
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) September 7, 2020