Damian Prince is one of Maryland football’s few sure things entering 2017

Profiles in Terpage is back for 2017. Over the last two weeks, we focused on receivers and tight ends; this week, we’re looking at Maryland’s offensive linemen.

Right Tackle

Our projected starter: Damian Prince, RS junior, No. 58

Prince coming to Maryland was one of Randy Edsall’s biggest wins on the recruiting trail during his time in College Park. The five-star talent chose the Terps over Florida on National Signing Day 2014, and after redshirting his first season, he’s been a key player for the last two years. Prince played in 10 games in 2015, starting six, then started all 13 contests at right tackle last season.

While he hasn’t been dominant in college, Prince has been a steady presence for the past season and a half. He’s mostly flown under the radar, which is generally good thing at his position. He and Brendan Moore are the only two returning linemen who started 13 games last year, so there’s a sense of certainty with Prince now.

He’s gaining steam as an NFL guard prospect, which is interesting because he’s only played sporadically on the inside with the Terps. He’d move from right tackle to right guard when Maryland rotated its line (Michael Dunn would slide from left to right tackle, while Derwin Gray would enter on the left side). With a new offensive line coach in Tyler Bowen, it’s unclear how much Prince is moved around this fall, but he should produce wherever he lines up.

Next in line: Jordan McNair, freshman; Marcus Minor, freshman

These were the two blue-chip linemen Maryland added in the Class of 2017. McNair measures in at 6’5, 330 pounds, so he joins the Terps with the size to make an impact immediately. However, it’s still rare for linemen to start right out of the gate, so the McDonogh grad will probably see mostly reserve action behind Prince this fall.

Minor was the nation’s No. 16 guard, but played mostly tackle at DeMatha, and since Maryland currently has a little bit more depth inside than outside, it makes sense for him to compete for playing time here. However, he’ll also probably be in the mix at left guard, where Sean Christie took first-team reps in the spring. This staff will probably try and get its five best linemen on the field, so if Minor or McNair vaults that high in camp, the Terps will have a role for them.

Up next

We’re hopping over the line of scrimmage for Defensive Line Week!