Torrey Smith Leads an Experienced Batch of Maryland Wide Outs
When you look at the Maryland depth chart, there are several positions that seem a little thin with experienced upper classmen. Wide receiver is not one of those positions. Not only does the Terps, and possibly the ACC’s top playmaker reside there, they bring back a whole stable full of talented players that could really be one of the top groups in the ACC. Sure that statement could be contested, but in all honesty, it may not be that far from the truth. There are players that have stepped up and made big plays, but lack the consistency. If a couple of them put it all together this year (and benefit from being on the field at the same time as Smith) things could be exciting in College Park.
Let’s start with Torrey Smith. He is the face of the Terps right now. He is on the Biletnikoff watch list for the top receiver in the country. Sure a lot of people are on that list, but still, I think we only got to see a player who has yet to reach his true potential last season. He led Maryland in receptions with 61 for over 800 yards and 5 TD’s. We began to see a little bit of the “Wild Turtle” last year as the Terps did anything to try and get the ball in his hands to try and generate some offense. The sky is the limit for him this year, and it will likely be his last. So enjoy him while you can. The question is, who will benefit from him being on the field and drawing a lot of attention?
Adrian Cannon could be the guy to really step up this year. He showed flashes last year, and has the size and speed to be a real threat in the college level. He had 44 catches for 468 yards and 4 TD’s. Consistency will be the key for Adrian, as I recall a couple of crucial drops.
The final projected starter is Ronnie Tyler in the slot. The question for Mr. Tyler is academics. He is currently taking a summer class and needs to do well to be eligible for the fall. Tyler is a must. Despite his smaller size, he is not afraid to go across the middle to make tough catches and take the hit. The memory I have of Tyler was in the rain against UNC two years ago (I erased all memory of last season). He made a huge third down conversion to help lead Maryland to the win in the rain. It was just one of those catches I won’t forget for a long time.
Should Tyler not be available, Quintin McCree is listed next on the depth chart. McCree recorded 5 catches last year, in a limited role. Join McCree in the backup positions are three other receivers who recorded catches last year. That brings the total returning wide out’s that had catches to 7. I think we hoped for bigger things for Laquan Williams after that amazing catch he had his freshman year at Rutgers, but injuries have kept him off the field, and he never really got his chance last year. All indications are he is healthy and excited to be playing, so I am looking for more from Williams. Also back are Kerry Boykins (6 catches for 79 yards), and Kevin Dorsey (3 catches 17 yards). Also looking to get into the mix is Emani Lee-Odai, and Tony Logan.
There you have the deep Maryland wide receivers. You have 9 players that could make an impact for this team. They have all shown they can play, but at times there have been moments where they just haven’t put it all together. Torrey Smith will be the next Terp in the NFL, the question is who else can step up and make a name for themselves game in and game out.
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