After a strong spring, Tyler DeSue gives Maryland football another option at quarterback in 2019

We’re previewing Maryland football’s roster one position group at a time this summer. This week, we’re focusing on the quarterbacks.

Lila profiled Tyrrell Pigrome on Monday, and today, I’ll be taking a look at Tyler DeSue. He played sparingly in just four games last season, allowing him to take a redshirt. But he starred in the Red-White Game in April, showcasing his potential in a new-look offense that featured quick passing routes and utilized the tight end position. DeSue may be on the outside looking in for this year’s quarterback competition, but having him in the room could be beneficial for both him and the team.

Tyler DeSue, QB, No. 13

Height: 6’1
Weight: 217
Year: Redshirt freshman
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.
High school: Bishop Sullivan Catholic

2018 stats: 2-of-3 passing, 16 yards, 0 TDs, 0 int.; two rushing attempts, one yard, 0 TD
Career stats: 2-of-3 passing, 16 yards, 0 TDs, 0 int.; two rushing attempts, one yard, 0 TD

The background

DeSue, a three-star recruit from Virginia’s coast, was ranked as the No. 21 dual-threat quarterback in the country by the 247Sports Composite and the No. 15 overall prospect in the state. He received six Division I offers, including from UCF and West Virginia.

He ultimately chose Maryland, but unlike Pigrome, Kasim Hill and even Max Bortenschlager (albeit on a much smaller scale), DeSue wasn’t much of a factor in his freshman season in College Park. He wasn’t listed on the depth chart for most of the season, but made four appearances in lopsided wins and losses. Due to the new NCAA redshirt rules, 2018 didn’t cost him a year of eligibility.

He won the Red-White Game MVP.

While Maryland will have five scholarship quarterbacks on the roster once training camp begins, only DeSue, Pigrome and Bortenschlager were available in the spring. The veteran of the group in Pigrome suffered an injury late in camp, so entering the spring game, DeSue and Bortenschlager were the only two options.

Both impressed throughout the day, but DeSue was particularly effective, completing 23 of 35 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns while navigating the pocket with ease due to solid mobility and footwork. He also rushed for 34 yards on four carries, and perhaps could have broken out for longer gains had he been able to evade would-be tacklers.

Obviously, exhibition games must be taken with a grain of salt. However, DeSue showed an ability to go through his progressions and make the right decisions time and time again.

He’s got a leg up on the newcomers, but he still could be behind in the pecking order.

Being one of three quarterbacks with months of practice under a brand new system in a room of five is certainly an advantage, but entering the 2019 season, DeSue could be the fourth or fifth option. Pigrome has made four starts across three seasons, while Bortenschlager made eight starts in 2017. And the additions of Virginia Tech grad transfer Josh Jackson and four-star freshman Lance LeGendre change the outlook of the entire group.

The competition will be tough. And DeSue may barely see the field again as a sophomore given the amount of quality options in the mix. But he’s got four years of eligibility remaining, and he’ll certainly attempt to make the most of his time in the program.

“Competition is what this program is built off of,” he said following the spring game. “The best guy is going to play. I’m looking forward to [the new additions] coming here. I’m always open for competition, and I think everyone on the team is too.”