No offensive lineman who started in a majority of the Terps’ games in 2023 returns for this season.
We continue our deep dive into Maryland football’s roster with a preview of its offensive line. Check out our previous previews on the Terps’ special teams, defensive line, secondary and linebacker core.
Much of the noise surrounding Maryland this offseason has revolved around who will replace Taulia Tagovailoa at quarterback. But the unit protecting Tagovailoa’s successor, whoever that ends up being, presents even more unanswered questions.
Six players that started at least 10 games up front last season are no longer on the team. Acquisitions through the transfer portal helped stop the bleeding, but the group only has one player who started a game in College Park last season. There’s a lot we won’t know until the Terps take the field against UConn on Aug. 31.
Three transfers could start right away
With limited options available on the roster, head coach Mike Locksley dipped into the transfer portal to find offensive line help. He came away with Purdue redshirt senior Josh Kaltenberger, Buffalo redshirt junior Isaiah Wright, Georgia redshirt sophomore Aliou Bah and Shorter junior Alan Herron.
Wright will likely miss the season with a lower leg injury, but the other three are all leading candidates to immediately step into starting roles. Kaltenberger and Herron were both regular starters for their respective former schools, while Bah lined up in three games for the Bulldogs last year.
Herron saw time at both left and right tackle. Kaltenberger played center, right guard and right tackle last season, while Bah played guard but is listed as a tackle at Maryland.
Bah, a mountain of a man listed at 6-foot-5 and 331 pounds, has the athletic ability to play either spot in College Park. Kaltenberger could slot in at center, where the Terps have no clear starter after Mike Purcell and Aric Harris — last year’s primary centers — both left the team.
Limited returning options
Redshirt junior guard Kyle Long is Maryland’s only returning offensive lineman with a career start under their belt. It would be a surprise if he’s not starting against UConn to begin the year.
Redshirt sophomore Andre Roye Jr. and redshirt senior Marcus Dumervil are the other returning options with multiple career appearances on the offensive line.
Roye played in five games last season and is listed as a tackle. If Bah starts on the interior, the second tackle spot across from Herron is his to lose. If not, Roye could move inside or operate as the primary swing tackle.
Dumervil played in four games last season after transferring from LSU. Given his age and experience, he’s a strong option to start at guard with Long.
A surprising option at guard is redshirt senior Isaac Bunyun. Bunyun was formerly a defensive tackle, playing in 31 games for the Terps over the last three seasons. But with plenty of depth at defensive tackle and no depth at guard, Bunyun made the position switch.
Given the lack of options, Bunyun could certainly see playing time in his first year at a new position.
Rest of the pack
Redshirt junior Kevin Kalonji and redshirt freshman Deandre Duffus are Maryland’s other returners at tackle. Kalonji played in one game last season, while Duffus did not see the field.
Redshirt freshmen interior linemen Tamarus Walker and Billy Molloy each appeared in one game in 2023 for Maryland.
The Terps brought in eight three-star linemen as part of their 2024 freshman class — seven tackles and one interior lineman, Michael Hershey.
Two of those tackles — Ryan Howerton and Davon Watkins — were top 100 players at their position in the 2024 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. No freshmen will need to play this season unless one earns a role, but Maryland’s long-term depth along the line is solid.