Maryland football fan Dee Bryant compared quarterback Malik Washington and coach Michael Locksley to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and coach John Harbaugh.
Bryant believes the two-time NFL MVP saved Harbaugh’s career after the Ravens drafted him in 2018. While Washington has only played three collegiate games, Bryant feels he may have a similar effect on Locksley.
“[Locksley] needs to make sure Malik is tucked in bed every night, make sure he gets his vitamins,” Bryant said while tailgating, his friend laughing beside him. “He’s the cornerstone.”
The true freshman is just the second Power Conference quarterback since 2019 to throw for six touchdowns through three games, and has tossed more than 250 yards each game. Beyond his play, Washington has brought a palpable energy to College Park.
It’s not just students who are excited. Longtime fans feel Washington has a chance to revitalize the program — which has struggled to gain real traction in the Big Ten since Locksley became coach in 2019.
Robert Palm, who has been a Maryland season-ticket holder for more than 40 years, hopes to see Washington match Taulia Tagovailoa’s impact. Tagovailoa, who played from 2020 to 2023, became the Big Ten’s all-time passing leader and led the Terps to three bowl-game victories.
[Maryland football notebook: Malik Washington may face his predecessor at Wisconsin]
But Palm acknowledged that Washington can’t do it alone, citing improvement across the offensive and defensive lines as a key factor. Through three games, Washington is yet to be sacked and Maryland is tied for second-most sacks in the conference.
Gary Simpson, a Terps fan since 1961, feels “cautiously optimistic” about the program, considering the inconsistencies it has endured in recent years.
He’s been impressed by Washington, but is concerned that another school will lure him with name, image and likeness money. Maryland ranks in the bottom five of the Big Ten in NIL Collective Funding.
“I think he’s going to get nothing but better,” Simpson said. “The more reps he gets, the better he’ll get.”
Chris Sullivan is looking for consistency from Washington over the season after attending this university from 1980 to 1984. He doesn’t want the four-star recruit to lose confidence if Maryland asks too much of him.
Wisconsin quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. got off to a fast start for the Terps last season before throwing two touchdowns and five interceptions over his last three full games. Maryland struggled to run the ball and allowed more than 30 points in each contest.
Sullivan hopes Washington can lead the Terps into the tier of Big Ten teams immediately below conference elites and earn bowl eligibility this season, which requires at least a 6-6 record.
[Maryland football ends nonconference slate with 44-17 drubbing of Towson]
“Our inability to win Big Ten games at the end of the year under [Locksley], that’s what concerns me,” Sullivan said. “Six wins, in my mind if the kids play smart football, that’s achievable.”
Ronald Benton-Klein, a 17-year Maryland season-ticket holder and Richmond native, believes Washington is the answer at quarterback — but he wants to see him tested. Benton-Klein expects the Archbishop Spalding product to face pressure at Wisconsin this weekend, providing the first glimpse into his decision-making under duress.
Benton-Klein foresees the Terps’ young roster surprising some teams. He’s optimistic they can finish above six wins, largely thanks to their “calm and collected” quarterback.
“A great quality quarterback is the first building block,” Benton-Klein said. “I think he’s the type of quarterback that people are going to gravitate towards.”
