Maryland’s Josh Jackson ranked No. 39 quarterback in FBS by Pro Football Focus

Analytics company Pro Football Focus released its 2019 rankings of all college starting quarterbacks on Tuesday, and Maryland’s Josh Jackson checked in at No. 39.

Technically, Maryland’s starting quarterback spot is in an open competition, but signs are pointing to the redshirt junior getting the nod for Week 1. Assuming the Virginia Tech transfer gets the job, PFF believes he is within the top third of all starting passers in the FBS.

On Jackson, PFF’s Cam Mellor wrote, “He enters the Terrapins lineup where he instantly upgrades the unit and will lean heavily on his dual-threat ability that saw him break 16 tackles on 128 carries while gaining 353 yards after contact and averaging 7.8 yards per attempt in the passing game with Virginia Tech.”

In two-plus games with the Hokies in 2018 before suffering a season-ending foot injury, Jackson completed 36 of 58 passes for 575 yards and five touchdowns to just one interception.

Maryland’s quarterback competition also features redshirt juniors Tyrrell Pigrome and Max Bortenschlager, redshirt freshman Tyler DeSue and true freshman Lance LeGendre. Pigrome carries the most experience among the rest of the group, as he went 30-for-49 on his passes with 512 yards, two scores and zero picks in the final three games of 2018.

In other news

As part of our football preview series, Lila took a peek at the Terps’ nonconference schedule. The staff also gave their predictions for the first three games.

Maryland football announced it will wear throwback uniforms — including the script helmets — for the homecoming game against Michigan on Nov. 2.

In case you missed it, yesterday’s Maryland Minute from Lamar broke down Breyon Gaddy’s move to the offensive line.

Under Armour founder and Maryland alum Kevin Plank visited campus and took in a football practice on Tuesday.

Coming off a national championship victory in December, the Maryland men’s soccer team arrived for its first fall practice.

The same goes for Maryland volleyball, which hopes to build on a 2018 season that saw the team narrowly miss an NCAA Tournament appearance.