Taulia Tagovailoa is said to have submitted an NFL draft declaration. The Big Ten passing yards record will now look to imitate his brother Tua Tagovailoa by entering the professional ranks after a failed offer to get a sixth year in college football.
The Maryland Terrapins’ offence will be severely lacking when playing without Tagovailoa. With four seasons under his belt in the very competitive Big Ten, Tagovailoa is the school’s all-time leader in passing yards and guided Maryland to an overall record of 22-16.
Who will the Terrapins use in place of Tagovailoa? These five players are potential candidates to perform the part.
Five players could take Taulia Tagovailoa’s place as the Maryland quarterback?
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Will Rogers
This is the second time in the Washington Husky’s career that he is in the transfer portal.
Rogers joined the Huskies this season to back Michael Penix Jr., the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, on a squad that advanced to the national championship game. He achieved school records for passing yards, completions, and touchdowns for the Mississippi State Bulldogs prior to moving to Washington.
Rogers has a track record of success in the most difficult leagues, so the Terrapins will have a reliable quarterback in his hands. Rogers was expected to start for UW the next season before deciding to transfer as a result of coach Kalen DeBoer’s departure, thus this could be a step backward for him.
2. Brayden Dorman
Another athlete who moved because of a coach’s departure is Dorman. In his case, the Huskies’ hiring of Arizona Wildcats coach Jedd Fisch had an impact on his decision.
Last season, Dorman was Noah Fifita’s backup and did not see any playing time. However, he was a highly scouted prospect and is only a freshman. Moving to the Terrapins could be a risk for both sides, but it could also be a chance for Dorman to advance as a player, following in the footsteps of Tagovailoa.
3. Clifton McDowell
Before giving in to the South Dakota Jackrabbits in the FCS national championship game, the quarterback for the Montana Grizzlies had a fantastic 2023 year. McDowell completed the pass with 2,026 yards and 13 touchdowns.
McDowell is a player who the Terrapins should consider. He played college football at the lower FCS level for several years. Although Maryland is a bigger programme than the Terrapins, it would be considered a step up for his career.
4. Bronson Barron
Barron has had success with the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the past, but he has only attempted two passes this season.
Barron passed for 21 touchdowns and 2,529 yards in 2022. Barron would be able to restart his career with the Terrapins, a middle-sized programme that would allow him to compete against some of the best teams in the entire country.
5. Billy Edwards Jr.
The quarterback who is currently the backup could become the starting quarterback in the future if the Terrapins choose to play the “next man up.” Billy Edwards Jr. is this dude.
In the 31-13 win over Auburn in this year’s Music City Bowl, which Tagovailoa did not play in, he led Maryland from the start and have experience. Despite only having a 30% completion rate (6-for-20 for 126 yards), Edwards did manage one touchdown pass. In addition, he ran 13 times for 50 yards and 1 score. However, if Taulia Tagovailoa is selected to replace him, his numbers ought to rise over time.
