Maryland Names Billy Edwards Starting QB For 2024 Season

After months of speculation and debate, there’s an answer for Maryland football: Billy Edwards Jr. will take the opening snap as quarterback for the Terps against UConn. The decision comes after a period of intense speculation about who would replace Taulia Tagovailoa, the former quarterback for the team.

Billy Edwards Steps Up To The Plate

Embed from Getty Images

That distinction goes to 6-foot-3, 222-pound quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. out of Burke, Va. Edwards was listed as the leader heading into spring ball, and nothing changed after the spring. He had some competition from Cam Edge, a transfer from NC State, and the returning backup. However, Edwards’ steady performance and pretty incredible resume aided him in standing out.

Edwards has been in the limelight before. The Wake Forest transfer started his collegiate career with the Demon Deacons before transferring to Maryland. Edwards played in eight games last season and made many good contributions to the team. He had 128 yards of passing and a touchdown that led Maryland to an upset win against Auburn.

Maryland’s Expectations and Challenges

Despite how well everything has gone, Edwards’ selection was not without some controversy. Many assumed it would be a highly-rated recruit from Georgia who had a strong track record at N.C. State who would win the job. But behind the scenes, it was clear that Edwards had a firm grasp on the position. The way he managed various practice groups—both the starters and backups—and even with the third-string players—was impressive to the coaching staff and solidified his spot.

Edwards certainly has the size and the quickness that would explain why people often say he will be able to be an impact runner in the league. At 222 pounds, he is a load that will be tough to take down, especially in short-yardage situations. It was evident last year that he can run the ball. In one instance, Edwards scored three touchdowns against Michigan, who ended up winning the national championship.

Looking Ahead

As Maryland heads into the new season, all eyes are on Edwards regarding how he deals with the pressure. How he will be able to command the team and adjust himself according to the reworked offensive strategy remains to be seen. The new run-heavy game might fit his strengths, but for him to excel in every regard, Edwards needs to show signs of growth in his passing game.

People are indeed excited to watch Edwards launch his skill set into the field as a starting quarterback. Well, he certainly has big shoes to fill in light of the transition from Tagovailoa, so this will be quite the change. During previous games, he has flashed brilliance at times, and now all any person can hope for is that he builds on the success he has gathered thus far and leads Maryland to a successful season.

Billy Edwards Jr. is set to start his first season-opening game against UConn. His arrival has been set up by great performance and good, strong leadership. While areas of his game are not at the level now demanded-most significantly his passing game—Edwards has the backing of his teammates and the confidence of the coaching staff. As the season starts, Edwards will be one of those in the spotlight, as he will have to account for how he handles the pressures put on him from leading the Terps to places others could not.