Defensive backs

Defensive line

Sam Okuayinonu and Lawtez Rogers declared for the NFL draft, while Darrell Jackson transferred to Miami. However, Maryland returns seniors Greg China-Rose,

Mosiah Nasili-Kite and Ami Finau.

China-Rose, a former walk-on, appeared in all 13 games last season (seven starts), recording 28 tackles and five sacks. Finau was an All-Big Ten honorable mention after totaling 40 tackles, while Kite was second on the team in tackles for a loss with seven.

During the offseason Maryland added Florida State transfer Quashon Fuller, a former four-star recruit who made eight tackles in 11 games for the Seminoles in 2021. Sophomores Taizse Johnson and Tommy Akingbesote also have the potential to improve.

Cornerbacks Jakorian Bennett, Tarheeb Still and Deonte Banks are back, but safety remains a concern.

After losing Nick Cross, who was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 96th overall pick in April’s NFL draft, and Jordan Mosley, Maryland will be relying on junior Beau Brade (River Hill), sophomores Glendon Miller and Dante Trader Jr. (McDonogh) and senior Isaiah Hazel, an inexperienced group that Locksley said has to grow up fast. Brade and Trader are listed as the starters on the depth chart.

Linebackers

Terrence Lewis (Central Florida), Branden Jennings and Demeioun “Chop” Robinson (Penn State), Maryland’s top three players in its 2021 recruiting class, transferred this offseason.

But the Terps added West Virginia transfer VanDarius Cowan and former St. Frances star Jaishawn Barham, a fourstar recruit who topped their 2022 class. Barham is listed as a co-starter with senior Fa’Najae Gotay, who’s returning from a season-ending injury.

“Jaishawn is a special kid,” Cowan said. “He does some things as a freshman that took me a while to learn.”

Specialists

After the departure of Joseph Petrino, Maryland added transfer kicker Chad Ryland, who ranks second in Eastern Michigan history with 56 made field goals. In 2021 Ryland set the school single-season record for points (104) while making 17 straight field-goal attempts.

“Chad Ryland is probably one of the best pickups we’ve had out of the transfer portal,” Locksley said. “He came back from his offseason training and has been killing the ball. I’m excited about having that consistency from that position.”

Colton Spangler (Chesapeake-AA) and Anthony Pecorella, who were awarded scholarships at the Ravens’ preseason opener last month, return to handle punting duties.