Starting to feel culture shift

Terps’ momentum builds heading into Locksley’s 3rd full year

By Ryan McFadden

During a team meeting Thursday, Maryland junior quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa asked whether the coaches could step out of the room so he could address his teammates on his own. Tagovailoa, who is entering his second season with the program, emphasized the importance of sacrifice and doing more than what the coaches ask of them.

Since Mike Locksley took over the Terps’ football program in December 2018, he has instilled a player-driven culture that requires players to trust and hold one another accountable. From late-night discussions about the playbook to players-only practices, the Terps have bought into Locksley’s philosophy.

“When we as coaches have to lead, and we have to police and we have to push, you usually can get some good play out of your team,” Locksley said. “But when it’s player-driven, that’s when you know you have a chance to be great.”

Senior defensive lineman Lawtez Rogers recalled his freshman year in College Park being a whirlwind of events. Jordan McNair’s heat-related death was a ripple effect that led to coaching turnover and reports of a toxic culture under former head coach DJ Durkin. Under Durkin, there were alleged incidents of bullying and abusive behavior by former strength and conditioning coach Rick Court.

Court resigned in August 2018. Durkin was fired from the program in October 2018, one day after the school reinstated him from administrative leave.

Rogers noticed an immediate change the moment Locksley stepped in as head coach. Rogers said players began depending more on one another . Being that Locksley grew up in Washington, D.C., and recruited the area heavily throughout his coaching career, Rogers feels it’s been easier to relate to his coach.