Maryland football continues to be a hot bed for recruiting, as former Alabama quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa announced he will be transferring to Maryland. His decision reunites him with ex-Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, who is entering his second year as head coach of the Terrapins.
Tagovailoa is the younger brother of former Alabama QB and Miami Dolphins’ first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa.
Mike Locksley Has Strong Bond to Tagovailoa Family
Maryland was one of a couple favorites to land Taulia after news broke of him entering the transfer protocol earlier this month. The Tagovailoa family has a huge connection to Locksley, who helped develop Tua into the starting QB at Alabama as well as recruit Taulia. Locksley has already offered a scholarship to the Tagovailoa’s eight-grade cousin Tuli Tagovailoa.
Taulia was a five-star pro-style quarterback in 2019 out Hawaii. He committed to play behind his big brother. However, with Tua off to the NFL, Taulia appeared to be third on Alabama’s depth chart entering the 2020 season behind Mac Jones and five-star freshman Bryce Young.
As a true freshman, Taulia completed 9 of 12 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Tagovailoa family has a tight bond, so many had expected that Taulia could choose a Florida school to stay close to Tua while he starts his NFL season. However, Locksley was able to reel him in to come north to College Park.
Tagovailoa Plugs Big Hole at QB
Locksley was in desperate need to land an efficient quarterback. Last season, Virginia Tech-transfer Josh Jackson started nine games and struggled as a passer. He completed 47.3% of his passes for 1,274 yards and 12 touchdowns against six interceptions.
Jackson, who is a senior, is expected to compete with sophomore Tyler Desue and redshirt freshman Lance Legendre for the starting quarterback position.
Tagovailoa would be an immediate upgrade for Locksley’s passing offense whenever he is eligible to play. Currently, Tagovailoa is projected as a fourth through seventh round draft pick for the NFL. While that may not appeal for other programs, Maryland hasn’t had NFL-caliber talent at quarterback for quite some time.
While a fourth-to-seventh round projection for Taulia Tagovailoa might not blow you away at first glance, consider the shape of Maryland's QB play in recent decades. Program hasn't had a QB drafted since … wait for it … 1991. #Terps
— Jeff Ermann (@Jeff_Ermann) May 16, 2020
Tagovailoa’s commitment may indicate the Terrapins have waved the white flag on 2021 Washington, DC five-star Caleb Williams. Williams named Maryland in his final three choices, however, all indications point to him choosing Oklahoma when he decides to commit.
Maryland Continues to Win Recruiting
Nonetheless, the addition of Tagovailoa continues the hot recruiting streak of Locksley. Known for his ability to land high-caliber talent, Locksley has flexed his recruiting muscle throughout this year’s offseason.
He was able to flip 2020 five-star wide receiver Rakim Jarrett (Washington, DC) from LSU on National Signing Day. He also landed four-star outside linebacker Ruben Hyppolite (Hollywood, FL), running backs Penny Boone (Detroit, MI) running back and Isaiah Jacobs (Oklahoma), the brother of Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs.
But, as strong of a class as 2020 is set to be, Locksley’s best work may be in 2021. He already has landed three four-star defensive linemen — Demeioun Robinson, Taizse Johnson and Marcus Bradley — all of which are DMV talent. Maryland’s 2021 class is currently ranked 13th in the nation, according to 247 Sports. That class looks stronger adding Tagovailoa.
While head coaches will ultimately be judge by wins and losses, it’s clear Locksley is grabbing recruiting victories Maryland has consistently lacked for a very long time.
