Anthony McFarland’s return has added excitement to Maryland football’s spring practice

Anthony McFarland was the highest-rated recruit in Maryland football’s 2017 class, but the same __ injury that sidelined him for his high school senior season kept him off the field a college freshman. Now fully healthy, though, it’s become clear what the hype was about.

“Anthony really finally looks like his old self right now,” head coach DJ Durkin said last week. “He’s been tremendous at practice. He was coming off the injury when he got here, we had the plan to redshirt him right away when he got here, and he’s now finally looking like the guy that we all know who he is. He’s explosive. He’s dynamic.”

McFarland has been just one of many talented backs showcasing their skills all spring, but he’s taken a handful of first-team reps. Sophomore offensive lineman Marcus Minor has been reminded several times of when McFarland showcased those skills as his teammate at DeMatha.

“He’s just so elusive. His speed is crazy,” sophomore offensive lineman Marcus Minor said Thursday. “It feels like high school ball all over again, just after he comes off one of my blocks ... it just feels great. Looking at him as he grows and as I grow, I think of how far we have come and it just feels great.”

McFarland’s receiving abilities made him an intriguing prospect even before new offensive coordinator Matt Canada arrived with a system that seems to suit McFarland perfectly. The redshirt freshman is expected to be used in a variety of ways in a variety of spots, which is just how he likes it.

“I always wanted to be known as a versatile back,” McFarland said. “So just playing a little bit of running back, and then going out into the slot and doing some things. So when Matt Canada came and kind of showed us how he wanted to use our backs, I was happy. ... It’s a good deal, and I’m excited about the offense.”

Fans will get their first chance to see McFarland in action at Saturday’s spring game, which starts at 12:30 p.m. ET at Maryland Stadium.

In other news

Here’s my sitdown with Maryland gymnastics head coach and Big Ten Coach of the Year Brett Nelligan. He led a young Terps squad to a 21-8 record and an NCAA regional appearance, so the future is looking bright.

Maryland basketball has reportedly reached out to a pair of transfer targets: Auburn forward DeSean Murray and Wyoming wing Anthony Mack. We’ll have more on these recruitments here as situations develop.

There’s a new NCAA rule allowing recruits to take official visits between April and June of their junior years. DJ Durkin doesn’t see much of a need for it (and with so much local talent visiting unofficially, he’s still in fine shape), from InsideMdSports.

D.J. Moore was named Washington Metro College Player of the Year earlier this spring, and he was on hand to receive his award last night.

Our friends at Every Day Should Be Saturday are back with their Charity Bowl. You can designate your team and donate to help refugee service organizations here.