There’s been a long-standing policy under Maryland football coach Michael Locksley that freshmen players don’t talk to the media. The rule comes from Nick Saban, Locksley’s coaching mentor.

That changed on Tuesday. Terps quarterback Malik Washington answered questions from the media after a spring practice. He’s the first true freshman to talk to media under Locksley, a team spokesperson confirmed to The Diamondback.

“[He’s] shown some maturity that you don’t see,” Locksley said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s a little different than the typical quarterback.”

Former Alabama starting quarterback Jalen Hurts didn’t speak to the media as a freshman until an open locker room after the 2016 SEC championship game.

Washington arrives in College Park with massive expectations. After the Terps’ 4-8 season, the departure of former athletic director Damon Evans and significant roster turnover, Washington is a critical piece in Maryland’s future under Locksley.

The quarterback split first-team reps with UCLA transfer Justyn Martin and worked extensively with offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton during Tuesday’s practice. The way Washington develops through the spring and summer could determine Maryland’s ceiling.

“Getting here early allows me to kind of prepare and make my mistakes pretty early, so that way when it comes down to crunch time, those mistakes aren’t being made,” Washington said.

[Maryland football is shifting away from development to focus on winning now]

Washington’s moment

Entering a program with few expectations is familiar to Washington. As a sophomore in 2022, he led Archbishop Spalding to its first Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association championship,  hen followed that with two more titles.

Locksley watched from afar. He has recruited Washington since the eighth grade and the quarterback kept his pledge, despite offers from high-level programs.

With little experienced competition ahead of him, Washington has a chance to become Maryland’s starter. He and Locksley talked about his opportunity to play early in the recruiting process.

“It means a lot to be able to elevate this program to the next level,” Washington said.

Washington said he hasn’t thought about the pressure tied to his arrival. Locksley said the quarterback’s expectations for himself are incredibly high.

That’s why Locksley offered fans and media “a glimpse” into his potential program-changing talent.

“I know our fans want to see it, and this is part of me changing and evolving … It’s an opportunity for me to open a door for you guys to see a small snapshot of what Malik [Washington] can be.”

Spring game or not?

More than 19 Power Four football programs have cancelled or modified their 2025 spring games. Maryland’s bucking the trend, though.

The Terps will host their annual Red-White spring game at noon on April 26.

[Maryland football defensive coordinator Brian Williams expected to join Jacksonville State]

The spring game was once an opportunity for teams to showcase their developing young players and give fans a glance at new rosters. But with a spring transfer portal window, coaches have become wary of prospects jumping into the transfer portal after a standout spring showing. 

“I’m not scared of the portal,” Locksley said. “By the time we play this game, it gives me a chance to continue to evaluate my roster.”

Maryland’s quarterback battle also played a factor in Locksley’s decision to continue the scrimmage. The coach said being able to see both quarterbacks play “under the lights” is valuable.

Lack of receiver depth

Wide receivers have been one of Maryland’s most productive units over the past two decades. The Terps will enter this season with an unproven skill position group.

Oklahoma transfer Jalil Farooq is expected to be the Terps’ top receiver this season. He did not practice on Tuesday due to an injury. He suffered a broken foot last season in Norman.

Other notable players include Tennessee transfer Kaleb Webb, senior Octavian Smith Jr., senior Shaleak Knotts and redshirt sophomore Ryan Manning. Those four have combined for 1,182 yards and 114 receptions. Maryland could look to add an experienced option when the spring portal window opens April 16.

“Our roster is not even set. We’ve got the church doors opening next Wednesday with the portal,” Locksley said.