Maryland Football: Ty Johnson has earned it
By Chris Bengel
On Monday, Maryland released their first depth chart of the season and it revealed that Ty Johnson is the team’s starting running back.
After Johnson’s performance towards the end of last season and the Spring Game, he’s definitely earned it.
Johnson ended his freshman campaign with a bang. In the Terrapins season finale against Rutgers, Johnson broke off touchdown runs of 43 and 44 yards respectively.
The Fort Hill (Md.) native’s second touchdown cut the Scarlet Knight lead to 31-27. Maryland eventually ending up taking the lead and won the game 46-41.
In Maryland’s Red-White Spring Game in April, Johnson picked up right where he left off. He carried the ball 11 times for 167 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown scamper.
Johnson has displayed so many strong attributes since his arrival in College Park.
“Ty has been a consistent guy in terms of his running ability,” coach D.J. Durkin said. “He has done a good job with ball security. He can really put his foot in the ground and take it the distance.”
Johnson has displayed a tremendous burst when he’s seen the field over his first year at Maryland. For example, in the win against Rutgers, he ran for one of his touchdowns out of the read-option formation.
New offensive coordinator Walt Bell is definitely going to be able to utilize Johnson’s speed in a variety of ways.
“He’s really the total package,” Durkin added. “He’s worked really hard and earned the opportunity to be our starter.”
The Terps really have a great amount of depth at the position.
Obviously, Wes Brown will miss the first three games due to suspension. However, there’s still a ton of talent in the backfield.
Virginia Tech graduate transfer Trey Edmunds will be the primary backup to Johnson. Edmunds is a bit more physical of a runner, so the thunder and lightning combination will be prevalent.
With Brown out, freshmen Jake Funk and Lorenzo Harrison could also see carries.
Despite the amount of depth, Johnson definitely provides the most playmaking ability. Based on the various run packages that Bell runs, Johnson should be extremely productive this season.