Maryland football held its annual spring game on Saturday, a culmination of the team’s spring practices. The game, in which the white team beat the red team, 34-3, offered an early look at what the Terps will have to offer in 2024.
Here are three takeaways from the scrimmage.
The quarterback battle continues
This was undoubtedly the main point of intrigue heading into the afternoon, as Billy Edwards Jr., MJ Morris and Cameron Edge are all in contention for the role of starting quarterback. Throughout the first half, the three quarterbacks, along with Champ Long, split snaps relatively evenly.
In fact, it was Long who made a good first impression, completing each of his three passes in the first quarter for 24 yards. However, his afternoon was spoiled after throwing an untimely pick-six at the end of the first half.
The other three field generals took some time to settle in, combining for just 18 passing yards in the first quarter. Edwards in particular had a rough opening half, overthrowing three deep balls, two of which were consecutive. He also took the only sack of the half.
“We’re trying to show the fundamentals of our offensive scheme. So I just tried to remind myself not to get too frustrated,” Edwards said postgame. “We’ll get the run game going and then we’ll start hitting some shorter passes.”
Morris didn’t have the opportunity to put much of his passing acumen on display, attempting just two throws in the first half. But he did have a chance to showcase his running ability, tearing through the defense for multiple 10-plus-yard gains and leading the only touchdown drive of the opening 30 minutes.
Morris also led one of two touchdown drives of the second half. It culminated with a lofted touch pass to tight end Dylan Wade in the back-left corner of the end zone.
“I definitely felt more locked in,” Morris said. “I know I’m gonna keep getting better. I know some stuff I got to work on. I’m gonna go back and watch the film.”
Edge had a mostly positive day throwing the football. He was 11-of-25 for 151 yards and made two impressive tosses down the right sideline to Octavian Smith Jr. While the second pass wasn’t caught by Smith, it hit him in the hands and would have been a near-30-yard gain.
Edge’s arm strength was on display all afternoon, as many of his passes were outside the numbers.
“Everybody really did a good job. Everybody got reps today,” Edge said. “I think Champ Long did a really good job … there’s MJ and Billy. We all push each other in a good way.”
The front seven looked solid despite some offensive line uncertainty
In the first quarter, the two teams combined for 11 rushes for just 27 yards. Play after play, gaps to run through were seldom found, and it led to losses of two and three yards for running backs Colby McDonald and Eli Mason, respectively. On the day, the defense was able to slither its way through the line for a total of nine tackles for loss.
“You look at what we did on defense a year ago, we took some steps forward,” said head coach Mike Locksley.
Jordan Phillips held up especially well on the interior, posting six tackles and half a sack. The 320-pound defensive tackle is poised to be a key piece of Maryland’s front seven in his second year with the program after transferring from Tennessee.
And while the offensive line isn’t quite fully formed yet, Locksley isn’t fazed.
“Our offensive staff will find ways to move the ball as we always have here, and we’ve got good skill. And I like the way that the offensive line is coming along,” he said.
With the departure of Delmar Glaze and others from the offensive line, it will be a point of emphasis for Locksley to shore up the always-vital position group. Aliou Bah, a Georgia transfer, and Conor Fagan, who returns as a likely starter after starting four games in 2023, both played well.
Additionally, Purdue transfer Josh Kaltenberger received most first-team snaps at center, and Alan Herron — another transfer — was frequently playing right tackle. Kevin Kalonji rotated in at tackle as well.
Also notable was the usage of former defensive lineman Isaac Bunyun at left guard.
A few pass catchers stood out
There wasn’t any receiver in particular that stood out on Saturday. With Tai Felton in a yellow non-contact jersey and Kaden Prather only bringing in one reception, there was room for some others to highlight their potential.
Sophomore receiver Robert Smith was one of Edge’s most consistent targets, making his presence felt a number of times over the middle of the field. While he caught just three passes for 37 yards, he was targeted on plenty of occasions on crossing and in routes.
Ezekiel Avit led all receivers with 79 yards on four catches. He had the second-longest catch of the day, reeling in a 34-yard pass through two defenders on the left sideline. Speedy receiver Smith, who could see the field more with the departure of longtime Terp Jeshaun Jones, got loose on the sideline numerous times. He appears to offer the most agility at the position, finishing with two catches for 46 yards.
Wade, a sophomore tight end, also had a good afternoon, catching two balls for 41 yards — including the day’s lone receiving touchdown. Despite being a bit undersized at just 226 pounds, he has the ability to fit into a hybrid role akin to Corey Dyches, who transferred to California.
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