Maryland football’s offseason has arrived, and with it comes a slew of moves — including two starting offensive linemen opting to enter the transfer portal.
Right guard Marcus Minor and center Johnny Jordan both announced Monday their intentions to transfer away from College Park, leaving gaps along an offensive line with few other experienced options available.
Jordan earned an All-Big Ten honorable mention for his role in the offense this season, and he started 16 games during the last three seasons. The Leesburg, Virginia, native has played four years for Maryland, but the NCAA adopted a blanket rule for athletes that 2020 wouldn’t count against their eligibility; Jordan appears to be taking advantage of that to play another season elsewhere.
“After much thought with my family, I have decided it is best to continue my football career elsewhere,” Jordan wrote on Twitter. “I would like to thank my teammates, current and former coaches, and staff for bringing me this far. I will be forever grateful for all the friendships and memories I have created at the University of Maryland. … That being said, I’m excited for this next step in my life.”
Minor started three games during the pandemic-shortened campaign, and the 6-foot-4 redshirt junior has featured in 25 games overall, playing 10 in 2019 as the starting right tackle. He moved to right guard this season.
Minor will be eligible as a graduate transfer, but he might have two seasons of eligibility remaining because of the NCAA’s decision not to count this season against players’ eligibility. The Hyattsville, Maryland, native was a former four-star recruit, per 247 Sports.
“I extend a debt of gratitude to the Maryland coaches and staff members for being an integral part of my journey,” Minor wrote on Twitter. “To my teammates, I am grateful for the countless memories that we created over the years. I consider you all my family. I wish the University much success in their future.”
The Terrapins should return starters Jahori Branch, Spencer Anderson and Jaelyn Duncan to the line next season. Austin Fontaine, who didn’t appear in a game this season, could help fill the void left by Minor and Jordan. Mason Lunsford, Evan Gregory and Amelio Moran could also see an increase in playing time next year.
Maryland saw defensive lineman Cherokee Glasgow enter the portal, according to Rivals. Glasgow tallied five tackles in four games this season.
Redshirt senior safety Antwaine Richardson also announced his intention to finish his college career elsewhere. Richardson missed the 2019 season after tearing his ACL and returned in 2020 to limited opportunities. He played in all five games but started twice, racking up 22 tackles — including a career-high nine against Indiana.
Richardson’s best season came in 2018, starting 10 games and finishing with 41 tackles, an interception and two pass breakups.
“I believe my time at the University of Maryland has come to [an] end as I look to further my growth elsewhere,” Richardson wrote on Twitter. “… I will forego the upcoming NFL Draft to enter the transfer portal.”
Meanwhile, running back Jake Funk declared for the upcoming NFL Draft, coming off his most productive season as a Terrapin. In five seasons with Maryland, Funk had often been a change-of-pace back while assisting on special teams. But he had the opportunity to lead the unit as a redshirt senior, and the former two-star recruit proved his ability.
Funk rushed for three scores and led the Big Ten with 8.6 yards per carry. His 129 rushing yards per game trailed only Minnesota’s Mohamed Ibrahim. Perhaps most impressive was the way Funk worked back from tearing his ACL in 2018 and 2019.
“Coach [Mike] Locksley took a chance on me when many others wouldn’t and I’m forever grateful to him,” Funk wrote on Twitter. “… It has always been a dream of mine to one day compete at the highest level of football and I’m excited to announce today that I’ll be declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft. I will truly miss my teammates, coaches and staff that have helped mold me into the man that I am today, but I couldn’t be more thrilled for this opportunity.”
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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