OT Derwin Gray looks to make an impact for Maryland football in 2016

Maryland football starts its season in 97 days.  Until then, we're profiling each and every player on the team.

After a redshirt year in 2014, Derwin Gray was seeing first team reps last spring before suffering a torn labrum in April 2015. After having surgery, he returned to practice in September before making his debut against Michigan on Oct. 3. He enters 2016 with a chance for a starting job at either right or left tackle, and could see time at guard since last year’s starters, Ryan Doyle and Andrew Zeller, both graduated.

Derwin Gray, offensive tackle

Height: 6’5

Weight: 328 lbs

Year: RS Sophomore

High School: Friendship Collegiate Academy/Fork Union Military Academy

How Gray got to College Park

Gray started his high school career at Dunbar in Washington, but transferred to Friendship Collegiate Academy for his senior year. He committed to Maryland on June 16, 2012, and was selected to play in the Under Armour All- American Bowl in 2013. As a senior, 247 Sports ranked Gray as the No. 1 recruit in D.C. and the No. 4 offensive tackle in the nation. Since 247 Sports started to keep track of recruiting, Gray is Maryland’s ninth-highest recruit.

Due to academic issues, Gray did not enroll in the fall of 2013 but instead spent a year at the Fork Union Military Academy. He arrived at Maryland in the fall of 2014, but redshirted. After recovering from a torn labrum in the spring, Gray played against Michigan, Iowa, and Wisconsin last year.

One career highlight so far

More than three years after he committed to Maryland, Gray finally made his collegiate debut against Michigan last season.

2016 prospectus

Gray is currently in competition with tackles Michael Dunn and Damian Prince for the starting job at either right or left tackle. Both Dunn and Prince played more than Gray last season, so he could find himself the odd man out. Even if Gray does not start, he is sure to see playing time in Walt Bell’s fast-paced offense.

What a dream season might look like

Gray lives up to the hype and is named one of Maryland’s starting left tackles heading into the season-opener. He provides solid protection in Walt Bell’s screen-heavy offense and shows he can be counted on as Maryland attempts to rebuild under DJ Durkin.

Next in the series...

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Standings

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