During Maryland’s 50-7 rout of Connecticut, one of the Terrapins’ running backs went viral because of his name and jersey number resemblance to Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin. The Maryland player is Josiah McLaurin, who made his collegiate debut wearing the No. 17. Immediately social media joked about the matter.
Some may have also questioned if Josiah had any relation to Terry. While it was a cool moment for social media, there was a tragic story behind the freshman tailback.
McLaurin played Saturday’s game with a heavy heart following the death of his 40-year-old father a week before.
According to CBS New York, Robert McLaurin, Josiah’s father, and his cousin Kirk Walker were killed On August 24, traveling in a Dodge Challenger when a 2017 Silverado traveling the wrong way on the Henry Hudson Parkway hit the Challenger head-on.
The driver of the pickup truck jumped out and fled on foot. A passenger was arrested and hospitalized.
The tragic accident occurred at around 2:30 am on the eve of Walker’s wedding. Instead of having a joyous ceremony, his fiancee and family were left to mourn, holding a vigil.
Most recent reports say the New York Police Department is still searching for the wrong-way driver. The Silverado was fleeing the scene of another crash and was being chased by a Toyota RAV4, per Rudy Gerstan. New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams pledged his own money, looking to anyone with information about the driver, and urges them to call 1-800-577-TIPS.
The funeral for McLaurin’s father was held on Monday.
Josiah McLaurin scores touchdown despite heavy heart
Josiah McLaurin committed to Maryland as a three-star athlete out of Clinton, North Carolina. He spoke to 247Sports about how a boat ride during his official visit helped him pick the Terrapins over East Carolina and Virginia Tech.
“I actually committed on the cruise,” he said. “My dad and grandpa were on the boat, they both went outside and cried.”
Unfortunately, Robert McLaurin never got a chance to see his son play at Maryland. Josiah played his first college game with a heavy heart. He scored his first touchdown in Maryland’s win, taking a swing pass from backup quarterback Cam Edge 24 yards into the end zone.
His teammates Ryan Manning and Leon Haughton Jr. embraced McLaurin following the score in a heartwarming moment.
“Our team was really excited that he was able to get a TD because he’s got to go along tomorrow and bury his dad,” Maryland head coach Mike Locksley said, per Sam Jane of The Washington Post.
