Preview: Maryland football vs. Towson

In-house expectations for Maryland football are as high as ever under coach Mike Locksley. The Terps’ season-opener against in-state foe Towson will provide some clarity as to what Locksley’s crew will look like in 2023. 

New offensive coordinator Josh Gattis has a plethora of talented and experienced skill position players to utilize, while defensive coordinator Brian Williams will showcase a younger group with high potential.

Towson will be the first opportunity for Gattis to unlock transfer receivers Tyrese Chambers and Kaden Prather. The duo will see the field plenty against the Tigers, and both are looking to establish themselves as key offensive contributors.

“I think we’re gonna find creative roles for all of those guys,” Gattis said. “As the season gets going, I think it’ll be exciting that we’ve got one of the top skill positions [groups] in this league.”

Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa said the offense will run more of an air raid scheme this season than in years past. Saturday will produce insight into how that philosophy manifests in play calling.

Junior receiver Tai Felton — who corralled 23 passes for 309 yards in 2022 and is expected to play a bigger role this year — said during Maryland’s media day that receivers will have more freedom in the new-look offense.

Gattis’s offense should also provide an expanded role for running back Roman Hemby, especially as a receiver. The Terps’ star redshirt sophomore could be utilized in a multitude of fashions to keep the Tigers on their toes.

Maryland lost an array of defensive contributors last offseason, but hopes are still high the group can improve from last season. 

Seniors Tarheeb Still and Beau Brade, and junior Dante Trader Jr., lead a back end that lost both starting corners but retains plenty of returners from last season. The defensive line in front of them is bulky and athletic, but largely unproven.

Maryland serves as the Tigers’ first challenge under new head Pete Shinnick. Shinnick spent 17 years at the Division II level, leading West Florida to an NCAA Division II championship game appearance in 2017 and a national title in 2019.

Locksley said he expects Towson’s coaching staff to implement plenty of tempo into its offense. That could present a challenge to the Terps given the Tigers’ size.

“You look at traditional FCS teams, very rarely do you look across the board and see five 300-pounders,” Locksley said. “They’ve got just that.” 

Towson moved on from Tyrrell Pigrome, a former Terp and the Tigers’ starting quarterback in 2022. Two options to start are redshirt juniors Sean Brown and Nathan Kent. Neither have started a game at the collegiate level.

Graduate student D’Ago Hunter provides a unique spark as a returner on special teams for Towson. The 5-foot-6, 160-pound running back was named the 2022 CAA Special Teams Player of the Year after averaging 24.6 yards per kick and taking two to the house. 

Hunter was one of just three Tigers to earn all-conference honors last season, alongside defensive lineman Jesus Gibbs and punter Riley Williams. 

Gibbs led the team in sacks (five) and tackles for loss (eight) last season. He returns to Towson for his final year of eligibility.

The Tigers are 0-2 all-time against the Terps. Maryland won the last contest 63-17 in 2017.

“A game like this can make [Towson’s] careers,” Locksley said. “The type of coaching staff and the type of program that they have, they’re not gonna come in here and just lay down.”

Locksley is a Towson alum, having played safety for the Tigers from 1988-1991. 

“I look back at my time there at Towson and am very thankful for that opportunity,” Locksley said. “I’ll be forever indebted to what Towson has done for me and my family in my life.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at SECU Stadium.