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College Football 2017: One x-factor for each Big Ten team

By Brad Berreman

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 31: A BIG10 helmet sits on the table during the press conference on December 31, 2016 at the AT
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 31: A BIG10 helmet sits on the table during the press conference on December 31, 2016 at the AT /
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Mandatory Credit: Scott W. Grau-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Scott W. Grau-Getty Images /

Maryland Terrapins: RB Ty Johnson

With the departure of Perry Hills, the Terrapins have what is shaping up to a four-man competition for the starting job under center. Redshirt junior transfer Caleb Henderson enters the mix, along with true freshman Kasim Hill and sophomores Tyrrell Pigrome and Max Bortenschlager. So it’s safe to say the running game, which was fourth-best in the Big Ten last year (199.5 yard per game), will be a focal point of the Maryland offense again this year.

Johnson set a school record and led the NCAA among running backs with over 100 carries by averaging 9.1 yards per carry in 2016, on his way to topping 1,000 yards on the ground (1,004) with six touchdowns. But consistency was elusive, with a 200-yard game against Purdue and three other 100-plus yard games. But Johnson also had double-digit carries in a game just three times all season, as he usually shared the workload with Lorenzo Harrison.

Johnson is sure to share the backfield snaps again this year. But with Harrison serving a suspension at the end of last season, Johnson had 327 yards on 26 carries over the final two games to end on a high note. That included 15 carries for 159 yards and two touchdowns in a Quick Lane Bowl loss to Boston College, and puts Johnson in a proverbial starting role entering the new season.

Johnson could have more to offer as a pass catcher too, with just 16 receptions for 206 yards and one touchdown last season. In any case, finding more touches for him would very be good for the Terrapins’ offense.

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