Incoming freshman wide receivers will add strong depth for Maryland football in 2020

Our summer profile series is back and we’re previewing Maryland football one position group at a time. We’re starting with potentially the most impactful position on this year’s team, the Terps wide receiver group.

Most recently in the series, Matt profiled a couple of redshirts who could add depth to the roster. Now it’s time to take a look at incoming freshmen receivers Nick DeGennaro, Corey Dyches and DeaJaun McDougle.

Nick DeGennaro, WR, No. 10

Height: 6’0
Weight: 191
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Old Bridge, Nj.
High school: Hun School

Corey Dyches, WR, No. 84

Height: 6’0
Weight: 190
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Oxon Hill, Md.
High school: Potomac

DeaJaun McDougle, WR, No. 2

Height: 5’10
Weight: 172
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Deerfield Beach, Fla.
High school: Deerfield Beach

The Background

These three wide receivers were brought in as part of the large 2020 class as head coach Mike Locksley looked to bring in more offensive weapons. While five-star Rakim Jarrett joining the fold really shook up the depth chart and class, these guys could still be key additions.

Dyches was one of the first commitments in the 2020 class for Maryland, announcing his pledge on April 11, 2019, and remained the highest-ranked receiver until Jarrett flipped his commitment. The local product of Potomac High School was a two-sport (basketball and football) star and will also reportedly provide walk-on depth for the men’s basketball program when football season ends.

McDougle helped further solidify the Florida-to-Maryland pipeline that brought eight sunshine state players to College Park in 2020. He fell just short of being tabbed a four-star receiver according to the 24/7 Sports Composite, but brings a host of talents such as incredible speed and soft hands.

DeGennaro is the key wildcard of this group as Maryland was the lone power five school to extend an offer. Locksley and his staff offered a scholarship after seeing him take part in a camp at Maryland and DeGennaro committed less than a week later.

Dyches and McDougle have the skills to make plays

Both Dyches and McDougle were recruited hard by the Maryland staff, and up until signing day they were the leading receivers in the class.

Dyches is a clear athlete in every sense as his speed and route-running allowed him to toy with defensive backs at the high school level. As noted with jump-ball catches and his basketball skill set, Dyches also has a keen ability for high-pointing the ball and using that athletic ability to dominate in one-on-one battles and against double teams.

McDougle also brings speed to the outside and is another option to shake defenders with ease and become a reliable target. He also isn’t afraid to throw blocks on the outside, which could come in handy if the Terps are able to maintain a strong rushing attack.

Dyches and McDougle may or may not be able to find their way into playing time in year one, but these guys will certainly fight with others on the depth chart — and competition raises skill level.

DeGennaro could be a welcomed surprise

Camp offers are often fliers that coaching staffs take on depth projects who may never see the field, but something is different about DeGennaro.

The strength and conditioning staff had been in contact with players during the early parts of the pandemic through virtual means and as the summer began, DeGennaro has certainly taken the shape of a true college player.

DeGennaro has the size and physicality to play inside as a slot receiver, but can also make defenders miss in open space and shake them with his route running.

With the depth ahead of DeGennaro, he may not make an impact early on, but is easily a candidate to surprise down the line as he works for playing time.