Maryland Terrapins Football

HEIGHT: 6'1"

WEIGHT: 186

HAND: 8⅞"

ARM: 30⅜"

WINGSPAN: 72¾"

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POSITIVES

— Locates and exploits soft spots within zone coverage.

— Quick route runner and a natural separator.

— Short-area burst/acceleration at the top of his route.

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NEGATIVES

— Does not possess top-end speed to be a consistent vertical threat.

— Thin, wiry frame and lacks desired play strength for a perimeter receiver.

— Physical coverage disrupts timing and pushes him off the route path.

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NOTES

— Born March 15, 2003

— 3-Star recruit in 2021 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: First-Team All-Big 10; Biletnikoff Semifinalist; Team captain;

— 2023: Third-Team All-Big Ten

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OVERALL

Tai Felton is a plus-level route runner with good timing to hit his landmarks.

Felton wins with short-area quickness and footwork. He can shake defenders with hesitation maneuvers and the rocket step technique. Felton separates well in the short and intermediate portions of the field. Good push on the vertical plane to create opportunities to separate on in/out-breaking routes. His cuts at the breaking point have good suddenness and sharpness to create natural separation. Separating from coverage is his best skill set and he does it well.

Felton's coverage recognition is a strong part of his process. He has good zone recognition and can work inside the soft spots of the coverage. On the outside, he is effective on slants, daggers, quick hitches, and comeback routes. With the ball, Felton has a good motor to take on contact and fight for extra yards—doesn't go down without a fight.

However, play strength is a missing part of his game. Felton struggles to counter physical/handsy defenders. Both inside the contact window and during his route stems—will be knocked off his path easier than I'd like. Not for the lack of trying, Felton does not reel in contested catches at a high rate. His lack of strength and a plus wingspan show up. Felton's short-area burst is fine but top-end speed will not overwhelm defenders. Defensive backs are consistently stride for stride with him down the field if they do not lose leverage quickly at the line of scrimmage. Felton's frame appears wiry on tape, combined with the lack of play strength, which can lead to him playing mostly in the slot in the NFL.

In conclusion, Tai Felton projects as a slot/movement Z receiver with quick route runner and separation abilities. If paired with a true number-one receiver, he can find success on the lesser defenders on the opposing defense. He is an adequate NFL wide receiver with a solid ceiling to buy into.

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GRADE: 6.8 (Potential Role Player—Fourth Round)

OVERALL RANK: 129

POSITION RANK: WR16

PRO COMPARISON: Shades of Jalen McMillan

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

Five-star class of 2026 edge-rusher prospect Zion Elee has committed to Maryland over Oregon, Alabama, Miami and Penn State, among other big-name programs.

"Maryland felt like home," Elee told Hayes Fawcett of On3. "The coaches really believed in me from the beginning of my recruitment. They saw what I could do for the program. I could connect with the players because they're from the same area I'm from. The academics are strong. It's a great environment. I felt I could grow as a person and a player there."

Elee, who plays for St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, is ranked as the No. 2 edge-rusher and 13th overall prospect in the Class of 2026, per the latest 247Sports Composite ranking.

This is a massive win for a Maryland team that just went 4-8 overall with a 1-8 mark in the Big Ten. The Terrapins in particular struggled getting to the quarterback with just 14 sacks. Elee, of course, could help flip that script when he arrives on campus in a couple of years.

Hudson Standish of 247Sports raved about Elee in a May scouting report.

One of the more complete edge prospects in recent memory at this stage of the evaluation process ahead of his junior season," Standish wrote in part.

"It feels as if he was built in a lab to get after the quarterback, verified hovering around 6-foot-4, 220 pounds with elite length measurements and a combine testing profile that could be mistaken for a field-stretching X receiver."

Elee is also the Terps' first 4- or 5-star recruit in the class of 2026. One can surmise that Maryland being close to Elee helped in this case. Head coach Mike Locksley had enjoyed some success on the local recruit trail of late, with all five four-star players in the class of 2025 being from Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C.

Locksley needs players like Elee to help turn the Terrapin program around. It's a huge win for Maryland as the team looks to improve and make an impact in the Big Ten.

HEIGHT: 5'11"

WEIGHT: 202

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POSITIVES

— Versatile defender with fluid movement in coverage. He shows quick feet, above-average change of direction and burst.

— Plays with very good awareness in underneath zone coverage. He quickly identifies threats and breaks on the ball in air.

— Very strong run game defender. He quickly triggers to what he sees, closing ground with great angles and ability to adjust as he closes in. Very secure tackler in space.

— Flows well in the box, looking to insert in the run wherever he can. Fronts up ball-carriers with his chest and drives his feet through the contact.

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NEGATIVES

— Limited to above-average-speed, he can allow separation when covering downfield.

— Can be picked on when in man coverage. Tight ends can create separation.

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2024 STATISTICS

— 10 Games, 59 Tackles, 1 INT, 5 PBU

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NOTES

— Games Started: 35

— 3-Star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

—2024 Left arm injury in week 5 against Indiana. Out for two weeks.

— 2023 Music City Bowl

— 2022 Dukes Mayo Bowl

— Senior Bowl

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OVERALL

Dante Trader Jr. is a versatile safety from Maryland who brings athleticism and strong run support to the field. Standing at 5'11", 202 pounds, Trader is known for his quick feet, versatility and physicality, making him a valuable asset in both the coverage and run games. His ability to read plays and react quickly positions him as a high-level backup with the potential to develop into an NFL starter.

Trader excels in zone coverage, where his quick feet and fluid movement allow him to patrol underneath routes effectively. He plays with good awareness, quickly identifying threats and breaking on the ball with timing and precision. His ball skills are commendable, particularly when he is in position to swipe through the catch point and disrupt passes. Trader is most comfortable when he can break on the ball from a flat-footed stance or a slow creep, allowing him to use his instincts and burst to close gaps. However, his speed is limited to above average, which can lead to separation when covering downfield. While not a liability in man coverage, Trader can struggle against more athletic tight ends who can create separation, making him more suited for zone schemes or underneath coverage responsibilities.

In run defense, Trader shines with his ability to quickly trigger downhill and close ground efficiently. He takes excellent angles to the ball carrier and is a very secure tackler, particularly in open space. His instincts and awareness in the box allow him to flow well with the play, and he isn't afraid to insert himself into the run wherever needed. Trader's tackling technique is solid, as he fronts up ball-carriers with his chest and drives his feet through contact, ensuring he brings down the ball carrier with authority. His physicality and reliability in the run game make him a valuable defender, particularly in situations where run support is critical.

Dante Trader Jr. projects as an early-round pick with the potential to develop into an NFL starter. His versatility in coverage and strong run defense makes him a valuable asset, particularly in zone-heavy schemes where his awareness and instincts can be maximized. While he may need to improve his speed and man coverage skills to handle more athletic tight ends and receivers, Trader's overall skill set provides a strong foundation for growth. With further development, he has the potential to become a reliable and impactful player.

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GRADE: 7.4 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 71

POSITION RANK: S6

PRO COMPARISON: Jimmie Ward

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 315

HAND: 10¼"

ARM: 34⅞"

WINGSPAN: 85¼"

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40-YARD DASH: 5.21

3-CONE: 8.15

SHUTTLE: 4.83

VERTICAL: 25.5"

BROAD: 8'8"

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POSITIVES

— Patient, calculated pass-protector who plays centered and understands how to square up the rusher, create leverage with his hands and sustain it with good grip strength.

— Hand carriage in his pass set enables active, timely strikes to disrupt rushers and gain quick access into their frame.

— Alters set lines and landmarks in pass protection to manipulate spacing and dictate terms to rushers.

— Smoothly transitions into a firm anchor to harden his edges and solidify the pocket.

— Displaces and feeds the defensive tackle over as the drive man on double-teams with solid square power and pop on contact on angle-drive blocks.

— Statement performance against Ohio State edge-rusher Jack Sawyer this season.

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NEGATIVES

— Adequate foot quickness and range on an island can create a short corner against premier speed off the edge.

— Doesn't adjust his aiming points quickly enough against post-snap movement and gap exchanges across his face, causing leakage and penetration.

— Lack of twitch and range on an island showed up against Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter this season.

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2023 STATISTICS

— 13 starts at left tackle

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NOTES

— 3-star recruit from the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— 32 career starts at left (16) and right (16) tackle

— Accepted his invite to the Senior Bowl

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OVERALL

Delmar Glaze is a two-and-a-half-year starter with 32 career starts split evenly between each tackle spot inside Maryland's 56-44 pass-run split, multiple run scheme. Glaze has a well-rounded build with a thick midsection, solid length and adequate athletic ability.

Glaze plays with good weight distribution, balance and potent hand placement to create quick leverage on defenders. He excels on angle-drive blocks and as the drive man on double-teams lining up his target under control, getting his second step into the ground quickly with the grip strength and strain to steer defenders off their spot. Glaze is a tick late adjusting to gap exchanges and post-snap movement across his face, lacking the twitch to suddenly redirect and compensate before getting his face crossed.

In pass protection, Glaze is smooth and calculated. He has an understanding of how to use angles, timing and leverage to close space, latch and end reps quickly with his head out of the block. He has a firm, strong anchor against the bull rush to concede minimal ground. His middling foot quickness and range limit his mirroring ability on an island at tackle, though.

Overall, Glaze combines polished technique with good play strength and a patient, calculated approach to win the leverage battle more often than not despite below-average athletic ability. Along with his tackle experience, Glaze should be able to carve out a role on an NFL roster at guard while offering the ability to play tackle in a pinch.

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GRADE: 6.7 (Potential Role Player/Contributor — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 109

POSITION RANK: IOL14

PRO COMPARISON: Alaric Jackson

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Brandon Thorn

Visit B/R's NFL Scouting Department hub for scouting reports on all of the top prospects.

Former Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is moving on to the NFL, according to Matt Zenitz of 247Sports.

The 23-year-old, who's the younger brother of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, entered the transfer portal earlier this month. He required an NCAA waiver to extend his college career, though, and Zenitz wrote it "sounds like the waiver isn't going to be approved."

Tagovailoa started his journey at Alabama before transferring to Maryland prior to the 2020 season. In four years with the Terps, he threw for 11,256 yards, a Big Ten record, along with 76 touchdowns and 37 interceptions. He had a 67.1 percent completion rate and a 145.9 passer rating.

The 5'11" signal-caller was a dynamic runner at times as well, which isn't reflected in his 205 career rushing yards.

TAULIA TAGOVAILOA TAKES IT THE DISTANCE 💨 pic.twitter.com/Kyqa6NbtCN

— ESPN (@espn) October 30, 2020

Starting in 2021, Maryland made three straight bowl appearances with him as the starter. In December, he opted out of the Music City Bowl as he weighed his future.

Given his production and wealth of experience at Maryland, Tagovailoa is likely to be on the radars of NFL teams during the draft process. He might have to wait a while to hear his name called, though.

The 37 interceptions are a concern in terms of his potential at the next level, and while a good scrambler, that isn't a defining feature of his game.

Still, a coach with a creative offensive scheme would be wise to consider Tagovailoa as a late-round pick.

Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa has entered the NCAA transfer portal as a graduate transfer, per Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer of 247Sports.

Tagovailoa completed 66.4 percent of his passes for 3,377 yards and 25 touchdowns (11 interceptions) last season. He also ran for five more scores.

The 23-year-old is the younger brother of Miami Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa.

Tagovailoa started his career at Alabama before transferring to Maryland prior to the 2020 season. He's been the full-time starter for the past three seasons, all of which ended with the Terrapins winning bowl games.

Over the course of his collegiate career, Tagovailoa has thrown for 11,356 yards and 76 touchdowns. He leaves Maryland as the Big Ten Conference's all-time leader in passing yards as well.

Ultimately, Tagovailoa is just another uber-talented college quarterback who ended his season in the NCAA transfer portal. Some have already found new homes, like Riley Leonard (Duke to Notre Dame), Dillon Gabriel (Oklahoma to Oregon) and Will Rogers (Mississippi State to Washington).

Now Tagovailoa puts him name on the list, meaning a college will be getting a productive quarterback and proven winner who can elevate any program he joins.

Maryland will play the Music City Bowl without starting quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.

Head coach Mike Locksley announced on Tuesday the senior has opted out of playing Auburn on Dec. 30.

The decision was expected after Jeff Ermann of InsideMDSports.com reported last week Tagovailoa was unlikely to play in the bowl game to avoid a potential injury leading up to the NFL draft.

Tagovailoa is likely facing an uphill climb to be selected in the 2024 NFL draft. Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus doesn't have him ranked among the top-10 quarterbacks in the class.

Prior to the start of this season, Ian Cummings of ProFootballNetwork.com cited Tagovailoa as a potential Day 3 pick with "a baseline degree of arm talent and is an above-average athlete with solid creation capacity and off-platform ability."

Taulia, the younger brother of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, began his college career at Alabama with Tua in 2019. He transferred to Maryland as a sophomore in 2020.

In 41 career starts with the Terrapins, Tagovailoa has a 23-18 record. He's the program's all-time leader in passing yards (11,256), passing touchdowns (76), passer rating (145.9), completions (955) and attempts (1,424).

Tagovailoa has led the Terps to three consecutive bowl appearances for the first time since 2006 to '08. They won the Pinstripe Bowl and Duke's Mayo Bowl in each of the past two years.

Maryland finished the 2023 regular season with a 7-5 record. The Music City Bowl will be its first game against Auburn since November 1983.

Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, the brother of Miami Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa, was offered "crazy money" to transfer to an unnamed SEC school ahead of the 2023 season.

Tagovailoa told reporters Thursday at Big Ten media day that an SEC school offered him $1.5 million to transfer but he declined the opportunity, per The Athletic's Audrey Snyder.

"It can be eye-opening, but I think for my situation—if I was in a different situation where maybe I didn't have a brother in the NFL or maybe my parents, it'd be a different situation," Tagovailoa said.

Tagovailoa added that he consulted Tua about the offer before making the decision to stay at Maryland.

"It would be hard for me to go to another place and not be happy but have all the money in the world," Tagovailoa said. "(I'd rather) be at a place where maybe I don't have as much, but I'm happy and I'm here to work."

Although Tagovailoa opted to return, Terrapins head coach Mike Locksley acknowledged that he wasn't certain whether the signal-caller was coming back until it was too late for him to transfer.

"You hear the rumors, you know some of the things are going on out there behind the scenes," Locksley said. "No, I was not comfortable until I saw him run out after that portal window closed up. But even then, a guy that's a graduate can still leave and go play somewhere. I haven't had a lot of nights of great sleep."

It's no surprise an SEC team reached out to Tagovailoa, especially with the way the transfer portal has evolved since the NCAA made it possible for athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness.

Tagovailoa spent his freshman season at Alabama—an SEC program—before transferring to Maryland ahead of the 2020 season. Once Tua declared for the 2020 NFL draft, Tagovailoa felt that it was time for him to get a fresh start with the Terrapins.

The 23-year-old is coming off an impressive 2022 campaign, completing 67 percent of his passes for 3,008 yards and 18 touchdowns against eight interceptions in 12 games, in addition to rushing for 64 yards and four scores.

Maryland finished the season 8-5, including a win in the Duke's Mayo Bowl against NC State.

Tagovailoa enters 2023 with high expectations as he aims to improve his NFL draft stock from a likely mid-round pick.

Maryland football coach Mike Locksley will reportedly be paid more thanks to a contract amendment.

Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated reported the school and head coach agreed to a new amendment that will go into effect for the contract he signed last spring. While he was earning $4 million in salary, he will now make an average of $6.1 million annually over the five-year deal.

The contract runs through the 2027 campaign, although it will be extended by one season if Maryland wins seven or more games in 2023.

Maryland hired him as its head coach ahead of the 2019 season after he was the offensive coordinator for Alabama.

While he was just 3-9 in his first season and 2-3 in the shortened 2020 one, things have trended in the right direction of late. The Terrapins went 7-6 in 2021 and ended their campaign with a Pinstripe Bowl victory over Virginia Tech and then followed that up with an 8-5 effort in 2022.

The eight wins were the most for the program since it was still in the ACC in 2010 and featured a win over North Carolina State in the Duke's Mayo Bowl.

Coaching at Maryland is not without its challenges. The school has been far more successful in men's and women's basketball throughout its history, and the football program has reached double-digit wins in a season just four times since 1955.

The move to the Big Ten also didn't make things much easier, and it is now in the same division as powerhouses Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State, as well as a solid Michigan State program.

Yet Locksley has fought through those challenges and has the team set up for even more success in the future since Maryland finished the 2022 recruiting cycle with the No. 31 class and the 2023 cycle with the No. 36 class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

He likely isn't going to take the program to a point where it is consistently competing with the likes of the Buckeyes and Wolverines for conference crowns and College Football Playoff spots, but there is plenty of positive momentum at this point.

And he will be paid more as a result.