2016 Terps Season Preview: Offensive Guards

Last week, I previewed Maryland’s offensive tackle positions for the 2016 season. This week, I’ll be looking at the offensive guards who will be on the roster this year. Much like the rest of the offensive line, there is a lot of young talent that will fill both guard positions.

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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/
Tight Ends: https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/2016-terps-season-preview-tight-ends/
Offensive Tackles: https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/2016-terps-season-preview-offensive-tackles

Mike Minter (Redshirt Junior)

2016 Projection: Starter (Left Guard)
2015 Statistics: 3 games played (3 starts)

Minter stepped up in a big way for Maryland’s offense last season, beginning the season as the team’s starting left guard. After Damian Prince suffered an injury in fall practice, Ryan Doyle was forced to move from left guard to right tackle. This opened up a spot for Minter, who started the first three games of the year before suffering a season-ending injury.

I have projected Minter to serve as Maryland’s starting left guard this season. If he can stay healthy, he has the ability to be a very solid interior lineman for offensive coordinator Walt Bell. His veteran presence can help to bridge the gap to some of the younger players behind him on the depth chart.

Maurice Shelton (Redshirt Senior)

2016 Projection: Starter (Right Guard)
2015 Statistics: 7 games played (2 starts)

Shelton has been a solid member of Maryland’s scout team since he arrived on campus in 2012, and started his first game last season against Iowa. He is one of the smartest players on the team, as he was recruited by the likes of Carnegie Melon and MIT during his senior year of high school.

I have projected Shelton to serve as Maryland’s starting right guard this season. The experience that he gained last season compounded by his veteran leadership will be an asset for Bell this season. Much like Minter, he will help to bridge the gap to some of the younger linemen on the roster.

JaJuan Dulaney (Redshirt Junior)

2016 Projection: Second-Team (Left Guard)
2015 Statistics: 5 games played (0 starts)

Dulaney saw his first game action last season as a backup lineman after injuries derailed his first two seasons. He was a 3-star recruit out of Powder Springs, Georgia when former head coach Randy Edsall added him to his 2013 recruiting class. Dulaney chose Maryland over many other Power Five schools, including Georgia, Kentucky, Miami (FL), Ole Miss, and South Carolina.

I have projected Dulaney to serve as Minter’s backup at left guard this season, though he is fairly versatile and could even play some offensive tackle if necessary.

Sean Christie (Redshirt Sophomore)

2016 Projection: Second-Team (Right Guard)
2015 Statistics: None

Christie came to College Park in 2014 as a 3-star recruit out of Medford, New York. He is a very versatile lineman, capable of playing offensive tackle as well as offensive guard. He has not seen any collegiate game action yet in his career.

I have projected Christie to serve as Shelton’s backup at right guard this season. However, much like Dulaney, he could see time at offensive tackle as well.

Quarvez Boulware (Redshirt Freshman)

2016 Projection: Third-Team (Left Guard)
2015 Statistics: None

Boulware came to College Park last season as one of the best high school offensive linemen in the country, and the best one in Washington D.C. He played both offensive guard and offensive tackle at Friendship Collegiate Academy, and redshirted during his first year with Maryland. While he is likely a year or so away from contributing regularly for the Terrapins, he could make some waves this season with an impressive camp or if injuries arise.

I have projected Boulware to serve as Maryland’s third-string left guard this season, but he could move into a second-string role or even a starting role depending on how he performs in camp.

Ellis McKennie (Redshirt Freshman)

2016 Projection: Third-Team (Right Guard)
2015 Statistics: None

Like Boulware, McKennie also came to College Park in 2015 as a highly decorated high school offensive lineman. Playing his high school football at powerhouse McDonogh School, he won back-to-back MIAA Championships during his final two years there. He redshirted during his first year in College Park.

I have projected McKennie to serve as Maryland’s third-string right guard this season. However, like Boulware, an impressive camp, injuries, or depth chart shuffling could lead to him getting some playing time this season.

Richard Merritt (Freshman)

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

Merritt is one of two 4-star offensive linemen that will join the Terrapins in 2016 as part of new head coach DJ Durkin’s first recruiting class. He was ranked as one of the best offensive linemen in the country, and played his high school football at Archbishop Carroll High School in nearby Silver Spring, Maryland.

I have projected Merritt to redshirt during his first year with the Terrapins. With veterans like Minter and Shelton starting at both guard positions this season, there will surely be openings soon for some of the younger offensive linemen on the roster. In the coming years, Merritt will likely be competing for those jobs with players like Boulware, McKennie, and Terrance Davis.

Terrance Davis (Freshman)

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

Davis is the other of the two 4-star offensive linemen in Durkin’s 2016 recruiting class. He played his high school football at nearby DeMatha Catholic High School, and is part of Maryland’s new and growing pipeline to the powerhouse program. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 320 pounds, he certainly looks the part of a Big Ten Conference offensive guard.

I have projected Davis to redshirt during his first year in College Park. He will surely be thrown into the mix to start at one of the offensive guard positions next season.