Terps Football: The Most Talented Players On The Roster

Playing in the Big Ten East is never easy. Maryland is well aware of this. But Head Coach Mike Locksley knew from the beginning of his tenure that in order to build a winning culture in College Park he had to acquire as much talent as possible.  

In years past, if Maryland had the type of attrition through the transfer portal and NFL Drat that the Terps experienced this offseason, it might have been an indication that a down year is coming. But not these days.  

Despite losing several talented players on both sides of the ball (and arguably the nation’s best kicker), Maryland still has plenty of talent on its roster to compete in 2023. Navigating their tough schedule still won’t be easy, but the Terps have what it takes to be competitive in every game. 

With that being said, who are the 10 best players currently on the roster and what should be expected of them this season? Let’s dive in… 

10. Delmar Glaze – OT

Glaze started all 13 games for the Terps last season and is slated to start at right tackle as a redshirt junior in 2023. He’s Maryland’s most NFL-ready blocker with 27 games played and 19 games started in his collegiate career. At 6-foot-5, 328-pounds, Glaze has true Big Ten offensive lineman size and he’ll use that to anchor Maryland’s line this season.  

9. Tarheeb Still – CB

Maryland has been producing quality defensive backs for several years now and Still could be the next one to take a big leap as he enters his senior year. Still showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman but has struggled to find consistency throughout his career. His 19 career passes defended show that he has the ability to track the ball, but I’m sure he and all Terps fans would like to see him add to his interception total, as he has just one so far in a Maryland uniform. One of Still’s best qualities, and perhaps an underrated one, is his tackling. He was fourth on the team in tackles last season and he has 7 tackles for loss in his career. 

8. Dante Trader Jr. – S

Sticking with talented defensive backs who know how to tackle, Trader finished second on the team in total tackles last season with 62. He also added two interceptions to his totals. He and Beau Brade — who we’ll get to later — should comprise a formidable safety duo in College Park this season. Trader knows a thing or two about being part of a winning team. He is also a key member of Maryland’s uber successful Lacrosse program.  

7. Tyrese Chambers – WR (FIU transfer)

There are several new faces who came to College Park via the transfer portal this offseason that could have made this list, but Chambers is the one that gets the nod. The two-time Biletnikoff Award Watch List selection has totaled 96 receptions for 1,618 yards and 13 touchdowns in the last two seasons at Florida International. He should step in as a starter right away on the outside and he’ll look to use his 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame to make an immediate impact for the Terps’ offense.  

6. Corey Dyches – TE

Second on the team in receptions last season, Dyches has fully embraced the tight end role and is excelling. He had 3 touchdowns in 2022 but that number could rise as he develops more at the position. The redshirt junior is big and fast and he’s by far the best tight end on the roster, which should lead to a lot of usage. His 12.1 yards per catch in his career isn’t too shabby for a tight end either. The former wideout was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection last year and this season he’ll have a chance to earn the full accolade.  

5. Beau Brade – S

Brade is arguably the best defensive player on the team, or at least in the secondary, which is shaping up to be a pretty good one. He led the team in total tackles last season with 85 and he also showed a nose for the ball with 2 interceptions and 5 passes defended. Brade forced two fumbles and is a proven playmaker. The senior is going to help lead an experienced secondary that could very well be the biggest strength on the defensive side of the ball. 

4. Jeshaun Jones – WR

Last year’s leading receiver is back in College Park and ready to lead a talented receiving corps from the slot. Jones has shown a multitude of talents throughout his career at Maryland. He can run deep routes, he can get yards after the catch, he can run jet sweeps. He’s extremely versatile and very shifty. Entering an all-important senior year, Jones, who’s a bit undersized, will be looking to put as much good tape out there as he can to make a push for the NFL. 

3. Jaishawn Barham – LB

Barham made a major impact as a freshman last season. He started in all 12 games he played in and finished third on the team in total tackles (58) and led the Terps in tackles for loss (6.5) and sacks (4). A consensus four-star linebacker coming out of high school, no one should be surprised that Barham burst onto the scene the way he did, but the question will now be can he keep up the momentum and build upon last season. I wouldn’t bet against the 6-foot-4 edge rusher. He’s the real deal. 

2. Roman Hemby – RB

If quarterbacks weren’t so important and didn’t have so much on their plate on any given play, Hemby would likely be first on this list. He had a phenomenal sophomore season where he showed a nose for the end zone and some explosiveness as a runner. He led the Terps with 188 carries for 989 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. He even showed viability as a pass-catcher, hauling in 33 receptions for 298 yards and another score. If Hemby stays on his upward trajectory, he could become an All-Big Ten selection this season and take the Maryland offense to new heights. 

1.Taulia Tagovailoa – QB 

No surprise here. Tagovailoa is very talented and has the most impact on the team with his play. Passing for just over 3,000 yards last season, there’s no reason to think he can’t get well past that number this year as long as he stays healthy. He has a plethora of solid receiving targets as well as a backfield that should keep some of the pressure off. Maryland’s offensive line should also be a strength this season, which is a quarterback’s best friend. Tagovailoa will be looking to join his brother, Tua, in the NFL next season, and this year will be his showcase. Expect big things. 

Honorable Mentions: 

Kaden Prather – WR (WVU transfer) 

Prather had 52 receptions for 501 yards and 3 touchdowns for the Mountaineers last season. He’ll likely start alongside Jones and Chambers. 

Donnell Brown – DE (St. Francis transfer) 

You can never have enough pass rushers and Brown will add to Maryland’s stable there. He had 48 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks for St. Francis (PA) last season. He’ll play a lot and potentially start.