Maryland football brings a pair of rookie wideouts to a crowded competition

We are rounding out Wide Receivers Week here at Testudo Times. After a preview of the position on Monday, a look into Jeshaun Jones on Tuesday, a glance at the trio sophomore receivers, an examination of the slot position and a diagnosis of the redshirt sophomore wideouts, I will introduce Maryland’s two freshman additions and the impact they could have this season for the Terps.

Dino Tomlin, No. 16

Height: 6’0
Weight: 160
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School: Shady Side Academy

Tomlin gave Maryland his verbal commitment in November, just a week after the firing of head coach DJ Durkin. He stayed true to his commitment following the hire of Mike Locksley, and was one of just six players to sign with Maryland in December during the early signing period. He’s the second member of the Tomlin family to become a Terp; his uncle, Ed Tomlin, played at Maryland from 1988-91.

Tomlin, who is the son of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, was rated as a three-star recruit and ranked No. 183 at the wide receiver position coming out of high school, per the 247Sports Composite. During his senior season at Shady Side Academy, Tomlin caught 30 passes for 967 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Isaiah Hazel, No. 82

Height: 6’1
Weight: 190
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Upper Marlboro, Md.
High School: Dr. Henry Wise

When Locksley was first hired by Maryland in December, he brought his expertise of DMV recruiting to the program. And the first recruit to commit in the Locksley era was Hazel, who flipped from West Virginia to the Terps.

Hazel was rated as a four-star wide receiver and the fifth-best player coming out of Maryland. He became the Terps’ highest-rated high school receiver recruit since Stefon Diggs, and Hazel’s addition was huge in demonstrating Locksley’s DMV roots.

What to expect

With the NCAA’s redshirt rules, which were first implemented last season, players are able to play up to four games and not lose a year of eligibility. With that being said, it is possible that either of the rookie receivers could see some early time on the field but be redshirted later in the season if they still need time to develop.

With 14 receivers on the Terps’ current roster, Tomlin and Hazel’s time on the field may be limited at wideout in 2019. However, special teams is always an opportunity for young players to gain experience and grasp the speed of the game. Hazel also impressed as a defensive back in high school, and the option exists to try him out in the secondary, just like Maryland did with Tino Ellis. As it stands right now, though, both of these players are expected to be a big part of Maryland’s future at receiver.