The University of Maryland football team has been on an upswing since they hired new head coach D.J. Durkin. He has made some major additions to the coaching staff including assistant head coach Mike London and offensive coordinator Walt Bell.
Walt Bell’s offense is extremely quarterback friendly, which will be a great situation for Dwayne Haskins. Haskins is one of the more sought after quarterback recruits in the nation. The four star quarterback has committed to Maryland, but is said to have Ohio State and Florida in consideration as well.
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For much of the past year, large portions of the discussions regarding how Haskins can immediately impact Maryland, have been in-terms of his potential Pied-Piper effect with recruiting. What shouldn’t be discounted, is his ability to immediately improve the on-field product. In his Senior year this past Fall, the local recruit from The Bullis School in Potomac Maryland threw for 3,974 yards and 45 touchdowns. When one looks at Maryland’s depth chart, the opportunity for immediate playing time next Fall stands out. Haskins would not have to be a finished product, to be better as a Freshman than anything MD received from their QBs in 2015. Average or better production from Haskins in 2016 would be a big leap forward for the Terrapins.
On tape, it becomes quickly apparent that the young QB is well coached. Capable of doing damage from the pocket and making plays on the move. He piloted a very explosive spread offense at Bullis. While he operated mostly from the shotgun, he did take snaps from under center, especially in red zone situations.
Haskins ability to run the ball along with how well he can throw on the move will allow Bell to be really creative with the offense by incorporating read option runs and passing plays. What also entices, is seeing that Haskins can deliver the ball to any part of the field with tremendous accuracy.
Bell uses a lot of spread concepts on offense so Haskins’ past experience would allow him to make a smooth transition right into his new playcaller’s scheme. The running ability that Haskins has will also be a factor because he will get plenty of opportunities to run the ball thanks for Bell’s tendency to call designed quarterback runs.
Haskins has a wiry frame that is similar to former NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham. His play resembles Cunningham as well. You can watch highlights of his senior season below.
The more dynamic quarterbacks tend to excel in college football. Haskins instantly gives the Terps a play maker that will dictate the game plan of opposing teams. He can hurt a defense in a variety of ways. Having a versatile quarterback such as Haskins gives Bell a serious weapon to use against opposing defenses.
The Terps have a solid group of wide receivers returning in 2016. That core will only get strengthened by the addition of Tino Ellis, a DeMatha wide receiver that was in the Under Armour All-American game. If Haskins’ honors his verbal, not only will he have some weapons immediately at his disposal (not to mention an Offensive Line with talent), but he will have a very creative playcaller and QB Coach at his disposal. These are some positive existing pieces that would surroud Haskins. With Haskins at the helm, success for the group as a whole, could come much quicker than some might expect.
