:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55552465/usa_today_9655286.0.jpg)
Maryland’s offensive line was a mixed bag last year. On one hand, the group paved the way for over 2,500 rushing yards, ranking top-15 in the nation in run-blocking efficiency. The other hand is a doozy, though. The team finished 124th out of 128 FBS teams in adjusted sack rate.
Enter new offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, who led one of the top offenses in the FCS as Fordham’s offensive coordinator last season. Former coach Dave Borbely moves to an off-the-field role, and Bowen will inherit a wealth of depth at the position.
Maryland’s Offensive Linemen
| Player | Year | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Player | Year | 2016 |
| Derwin Gray | JR | Played in every game, started 3 at LT |
| Damian Prince | JR | Started every game at RT |
| Brendan Moore | JR | Started every game at C |
| Sean Christie | JR | Played in every game, mostly special teams |
| Terrance Davis | SO | Played every game, 9 starts at RG |
| Ellis McKennie | SO | Played in every game as reserve OL |
| Will McClain | SO | Played in one game |
| Richard Merritt | R-FR | Redshirt |
| Brian Plummer | R-FR | Redshirt |
| Marcus Minor | FR | High School(4-star recruit) |
| Jordan McNair | FR | High School (4-star recruit) |
| Johnny Jordan | FR | High School (3-star recruit) |
| Tyran Hunt | FR | High School (3-star recruit) |
The line lost a some members to graduation and transfer, but has the bodies in reserve to cover up any holes.
The Terps return four linemen with starting experience: Damian Prince and Derwin Gray at the tackle positions, Brendan Moore at center and Terrance Davis at the right guard spot. Prince is already being projected as a top-40 2018 NFL Draft prospect, and Moore is on the pre-season Rimington Award watch list for the best center in the country. This is one of the Terps’ strongest position groups.
After Quarvez Boulware transferred out of the program, Sean Christie and Richard Merritt will likely battle it out for left guard, though Christie appeared to have the inside track during spring camp. The Terps also bring in four-star recruits Marcus Minor and Jordan McNair, giving the team an influx of blue bloods on the line.
In other news
With Offensive Line Week here, it’s time to recap our Wide Receivers and Tight Ends Weeks.
Tight Ends Week ended with redshirt freshman Noah Barnes and true freshman Andrew Park, who was the first 2017 commit on board with “The Movement.”
There will be six Terps in action during the NBA’s summer leagues, including all of the 2015-16 starters.
Here are the Maryland targets to keep an eye on at The Opening’s 7-on-7 championship on Monday.
On Friday, an Austin paper’s Longhorn blog ranked Maryland receiver D.J. Moore the 65th best opponent Texas would face this season. Turns out No. 64 is Terp linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr.