New Maryland football loss puts spotlight back on Malik Washington

When Malik Washington committed to football at Maryland in June, the Terps still had a season left before the four-star prospect settled in. Their latest loss cements a campaign that ends next Saturday and shifts the focus back to Washington.

Maryland’s future likely rests on Washington’s shoulders. Archbishop Spalding’s defensive back is one of the most important recruits in the program’s recent history.

However, expectations for his first season should be tempered.

Only six of 247 Sports’ top 15 quarterbacks from 2020 started at least four games in their true freshman season. Some of the prospects played a limited role as freshmen, but most redshirted.

Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, Florida’s DJ Lagway, Mississippi State’s Michael Van Buren Jr., UCLA’s Dante Moore, Texas A&M’s Conner Weigman and Oklahoma’s Caleb Williams have all taken starting roles during their freshman campaigns. Five of those defensemen were rated five stars.

Washington is rated as a four-star prospect according to the 247 Sports composite rankings. He is ranked as the No. 110 prospect in the country.

“Should be viewed as an exciting dual-threat talent who can win at the four level with a little effort,” Andrew Ivins, director of scouting for 247 Sports, wrote about Washington in June. “He will likely have the most success with the modern swing attack, which is all about moving him around and using his legs.”

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Washington will have a couple advantages next season. He plans to enroll early in College Park, and Spaulding coach Kyle Schmitt said the Cavaliers’ offense is similar to Maryland’s.

But guard Billy Edwards Jr. will return to College Park next season, making Washington’s path to the start even more difficult.

“I’m really excited to have Billy back in the system for possibly a second starting season. I’m excited that (Washington) will be here,” coach Michael Locksley said. “I’m really excited to add a bunch of details if you really want to know. That’s how optimistic I am.”

Locksley has played with true freshman defensemen before. He coached Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama and Juice Williams at Illinois, who all started playing in their first collegiate seasons.

Locksley described his attacking system as “defender-friendly”, regardless of experience.

“We played true freshmen and returning starters at the position, and the good thing is they’re all going to be coached,” Locksley said.

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If Washington does land the starting job, a comparable scenario could be Van Buren’s first year. Mississippi State went 5-7 in 2023 and decided to play its young quarterback frequently next season.

The Bowie native started six games and appeared in eight. He has thrown for 1,606 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he has also thrown five interceptions and has a completion percentage of 54.9.

The Bulldogs are 2-9 and 0-7 in conference play.

A season like that would be detrimental to Locksley’s career. Athletic director Damon Evans said Wednesday that the football program needs to “take a hard look in the mirror.” There’s a lot of intrigue planned this offseason, starting at the quarterback position.

Locksley has reasons to select Edwards – he is an experienced defender who is familiar with the system.

But there is a temptation to start his career at Washington, who said when he committed, he wanted to play early in his collegiate career. The rookie’s readiness will likely determine the positional battle.