Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton sets multiple program records in loss to Rutgers

Photo courtesy of University of Maryland Athletics

Midway through the second quarter of Maryland’s 31-17 loss to Rutgers on Saturday Tai Felton caught a fade pass in the back left of the end zone. The catch not only gave the Terps the lead but also put Felton over 1,000 receiving yards on the season making him the fourth player in school history to achieve this feat.

“It’s honestly a blessing to have the teammates I have. I think it’s a team award because they push me to be a great person every day on and off the field,” Felton said.

Felton joins the late Marcus Badgett (1992), Torrey Smith (2010) and D.J. Moore (2017).

“He’s meant a lot. Not even this year alone,” running back Roman Hemby said. “This year, he’s been a great leader, a tremendous player for us. Somebody we can all look up to, a player I look up to. He always makes the big plays when we need it, and it’s a good achievement for him.”

This was not the only record Felton broke on Saturday. His first catch of the night – a 17-yarder on fourth down – marked his 81st reception of the season, a program record previously set by Moore in 2017.

The senior wide receiver finished his record-breaking night with six catches for 61 yards.

“Tai is one of my favorites and he has been even before he caught the ball,” head coach Mike Locksley said, “I thought Tai had that in him probably more than he thought of himself. We’ve worked really hard with Tai on the mental piece of sports performance… so for me, it’s so rewarding to see Tai be able to have this type of year.”

On Tuesday, Felton was announced as one of 11 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award, the annual award presented to college football’s most outstanding receiver. Of the semifinalists, Felton ranks second in receptions (86) and fourth in receiving yards (1,040).

“Just being behind Jeshaun Jones, [Rakim Jarrett], [Dontay] Demus for those years and waiting his turn and to now coming into fruition,” defensive back Dante Trader Jr. said. “I just want to give my brother flowers for all the things he has accomplished.”

With two games left in the season, Felton has a chance to overtake Badgett’s record for most receiving yards in a season (1,240). Felton currently sits at 1,040 and averages 104 yards per game, putting him on pace to beat that record by eight yards.

“He has many more to achieve. He has a lot of accolades to go with his name. He just goes to work every day and he does a little extra,” Hemby said.

The Terps face Iowa at home on Saturday and then travel to No. 4 Penn State the following week. They need to win both to make it to a bowl game.

“My main focus is to win these last two games,” Felton said, “Our main focus is to try and get this ‘W’ this weekend and then next week try to get the next ‘W’ so we can send this team to a bowl game.”