Until the 2015 season, Maryland’s coaching staff did not use their tight ends very much. In the spread-option system that former offensive coordinator Mike Locksley preferred, multiple tight ends seeing the field at once was a rarity. However, that all changed last season when the team moved to a more traditional pro-style offensive scheme. Suddenly, 12 personnel (1 running back, 2 tight ends) became the new normal, opening up opportunities for a number of different players at the position. With the impending move back to a spread offensive system, the days of 12 personnel are likely over. However, it seems that new offensive coordinator Walt Bell is more committed to utilizing his weapons at the tight end position.

(Discuss this article on the BSL Message Board here.)

2016 Terps Season Preview: The Series

Quarterbacks: https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/2016-season-preview-quarterbacks/
Running Backs: https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/2016-season-preview-running-backs/
Wide Receivers: https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/2016-terps-season-preview-wide-receivers/

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Andrew Isaacs (Redshirt Junior)

2016 Projection: Co-Starter
2015 Statistics: None

Isaacs came to College Park in former head coach Randy Edsall’s 2013 recruiting class. He was a highly-touted 4-star tight end from the state of Connecticut, and saw some playing time on special teams as a true freshman. He entered the 2014 season as the team’s starting tight end, but suffered a gruesome leg injury against Syracuse. He has not stepped onto the field since that injury, but looks primed to make an impact this year. He is not a very tall tight end, but has a large frame and soft hands. He is athletic enough to make plays down the field, but strong enough to hold his own as a blocker.

I have projected Isaacs to see time as the Terrapins’ starting tight end in 2016. I don’t think that he’ll be the lone starter, as I believe there are other talented players who must see the field as well. He has all of the talent in the world, he simply must stay healthy.

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Avery Edwards (Sophomore)

2016 Projection: Co-Starter
2015 Statistics: 14 catches, 115 yards, 2 TD

With Isaacs still sidelined from his leg injury that he suffered in 2014, Edsall made a late addition to his 2015 recruiting class by snagging Edwards from the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. His presence was felt immediately, and he worked his way into a starting role during the 2015 season. He is a very athletic tight end, unlike the bigger-bodied blockers that Edsall seemed to prefer. Edwards’ blocking still leaves a lot to be desired, but he is the best option on the team if you’re looking to split a tight end out wide. He is a pure receiver, and is primed for a great year in 2016. His best game last season came against South Florida, when he grabbed 3 passes for 36 yards and 2 touchdowns.

I have projected Edwards to split time with Isaacs as Maryland’s starting tight end. In 4-wide receiver sets, expect to see Edwards in the slot, creating mismatches with defenders.

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Derrick Hayward (Redshirt Junior)

2016 Projection: Third-Team
2015 Statistics: 2 catches, 10 yards, 0 TD

Hayward surprised everyone by emerging as the team’s starting tight end last season, just a few years removed from his transition from linebacker. While not much of a weapon in the passing game, he is the best blocking tight end on the team. With Locksley utilizing more two-tight end formations last season, he was able to get Hayward on the field with a better pass-catching tight end like Edwards.

I have projected Hayward to serve as the team’s third-string tight end in 2016. His blocking abilities are excellent, but he simply doesn’t possess the pass-catching abilities that will be necessary to play tight end in Bell’s offense.

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Andrew Gray (Redshirt Sophomore)

2016 Projection: Fourth-Team
2015 Statistics: None

Gray came to College Park as a 3-star recruit from the state of Ohio in Edsall’s 2014 recruiting class. He redshirted during his true freshman season, and did not see the field last year. He is a bit smaller than some of the other larger tight ends on the roster, which may lead Bell to take a longer look at him for his offense this season. However, he is likely a few years away from contributing on offense.

I have projected Gray to serve as the team’s fourth-string tight end this season, though a strong showing in summer camp could allow him to jump ahead of Hayward on the depth chart.

Eric Roca (Redshirt Junior)

2016 Projection: Fifth-Team
2015 Statistics: None

Roca, a Puerto Rico native, has been a solid player on Maryland’s scout team for the past few seasons. He has never seen the field during his time in College Park, and is unlikely to see any playing time this season.

I have projected Roca to serve as the team’s fifth-string tight end this season. It will likely be his last season in College Park, as he plans to graduate after this year.

Kevin Woodeshick (Sophomore)

2016 Projection: Sixth-Team
2015 Statistics: None

Woodeshick, the son of former Maryland tight end Kevin Woodeshick, is entering his sophomore season in College Park. He has yet to see game action, and is unlikely to see any this season.

I have projected Woodeshick to serve as the team’s sixth-string tight end this season.

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Noah Barnes (Freshman)

2016 Projection: Redshirt
2015 Statistics (High School): N/A

Barnes is the lone tight end in head coach DJ Durkin’s 2016 recruiting class. He is a 2-star recruit out of Auburn, Alabama. Bell had offered him a scholarship when he was Arkansas State’s offensive coordinator, and did the same when he arrived in College Park. Barnes is an athletic tight end with nice hands, who could contribute for the Terrapins in a few years.

I have projected Barnes to redshirt during his true freshman season in College Park.

Zack Kiesel
Zack Kiesel

Terps Analyst

Zack is a financial analyst for a defense contractor in Washington, DC. The Owings Mills native focuses most of his efforts on Maryland Football recruiting and individual coach and player pieces; but also covers Terps Basketball. He has established relationships with Big Ten beat reporters across the conference, which he utilizes in his game previews. Now a Sr. Terps Analyst for BSL, Zack can be reached at: [email protected].

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