The expectations have always been high for Damian Prince.
After starting six games at right tackle in 2015, Prince will look to take the next step and become an elite tackle this fall.
Prince was a highly-regarded recruit during his high school days at Bishop McNamara (Md.). According to 247Sports, he was tabbed as a five-star recruit and the No. 27 prospect in their composite rankings.
Prince was also rated as the top player in the state of Maryland in the 2014 class along with the second-best offensive tackle in the country behind Alabama’s Cam Robinson.
The former Bishop McNamara star redshirted his first year in College Park in 2014. Prince did appear in 10 games this past season, including the six starts at right tackle.
Prince is a big, burly physical specimen at right tackle as he stands 6’3 and weighs 328 pounds. It’s rare that you’ll see the former five-star recruit get pushed around at the line of scrimmage.
This is a guy that possesses great hands and uses his strength at the point of attack to keep defensive linemen in front of him.
The former Under Armour All-American is pretty quick despite his large frame. Prince had no problem getting out and pulling when he was blocking for Maryland’s talented stable of tailbacks in 2015.
Betsided
Prince was part of an offensive line that helped the Terrapin running game that averaged 200.7 rushing yards per game (third in Big Ten) and 5.5 yards-per-carry (second in Big Ten). Maryland rushed for over 300 yards in each of their final two regular season games.
The Terps only reached the 300-yard rushing mark in one other game last season (Richmond).
Prince also excels away from the line of scrimmage as he is a phenomenal downfield blocker. He really has a knack for taking opposing defenders out of the play and helping his tailbacks to gain extra yards.
Prince will help anchor a position that Maryland has immense depth at. The former Bishop McNamara star will be the Terps right tackle with senior Michael Dunn likely being the starter on the other side.
Training camp will definitely be interesting because Maryland has three offensive tackles that appear to be ready for a starting role. Along with Dunn and Prince, redshirt sophomore Derwin Gray is also likely to see the field in 2016.
Aside from Dunn, Prince may be the Terps most talented offensive linemen. Prince should be able to get a full collegiate season as a starter under his belt this fall.
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If Prince can stay healthy, he could be one of Maryland’s most important players in 2016.