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Maryland Football: Will Likely lands at New York Jets minicamp

By Chris Bengel

Oct 8, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Maryland Terrapins William Likely III (4) runs with the ball on a punt return during the third quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Maryland 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Maryland Terrapins William Likely III (4) runs with the ball on a punt return during the third quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Maryland 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Will Likely didn’t hear his name called during the NFL Draft last weekend.

On Friday, the former Maryland cornerback appeared at rookie minicamp with the New York Jets. Daniel Popper of the New York Daily News confirmed that Likely was in attendance despite not being on the list of 39 tryout players.

Likely didn’t sign with an NFL team following the draft.

He was Maryland’s best chance at seeing a player selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, the program didn’t see a single player picked during the three-day event.

A pair of Likely’s teammates did end up signing with NFL teams as undrafted free agents earlier this week. Cornerback Alvin Hill inked a deal with the Cleveland Browns while wide receiver Levern Jacobs signed with the Washington Redskins.

Likely tore his ACL in October and was forced to miss the remainder of Maryland’s season. He had 32 tackles (22 solo) and three defended passes prior to getting hurt.

Much to the surprise of many, the Florida native was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine and participated in Maryland’s Pro Day in March.

The jack-of-all-trades defensive back took part in defensive back drills and surprised many with how quickly he had bounced back from a significant knee injury.

Whether he lands with the Jets or another NFL team, he should be able to contribute right away as a return man. He totaled four punt return touchdowns and two kick return touchdowns during his time in College Park.

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Likely even broke the Big Ten record for punt return yards in a game with 233 against Richmond back in 2015. He broke Iowa’s Nile Kinnick’s record that had stood since 1939.

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