Mike Locksley says Taulia Tagovailoa has chance to be 'one of the best' quarterbacks in the country

Taulia Tagovailoa could be one of the best quarterbacks in college football, according to Maryland head coach Mike Locksley.

Tagovailoa took more strides last season but fell short of his goal of a Big Ten title. The Terrapins quarterback mentioned that the team had a goal of winning the whole conference back during Big Ten Media Days.

But if Tagovailoa can play like one of the best quarterbacks in the country, perhaps Maryland could be a dark horse, albeit in a loaded East division.

“You know what, this should be a great year for Taulia Tagovailoa,” Locksley said on Mad Dog Radio. “He’s taken the necessary steps, the maturity that you want to see out of a quarterback. We’ve got a good team around him.

“I think he’ll have a chance to be one of the best, not just in the Big Ten, but in the country. I know he’s hungry to help us and take the next big step for our program and we wouldn’t be where we were today if it wasn’t for Taulia.”

Maryland went 8-5 in 2022 behind the arm of Tagovailoa, who had another productive season. The Terrapins won the Duke’s Mayo Bowl over NC State to cap off the year.

Mike Locksley has high praise for Taulia Tagovailoa

He finished his third season with the Terps with 3,008 yards, 18 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 67% completion percentage. In his career (three seasons with Maryland, one with Alabama), Tagovailoa has 7,979 yards, 52 touchdowns, 26 interceptions and a 67.5% completion percentage.

“Who knew a kid from Hawaii could find a home in Maryland, but that’s exactly what I’ve found,” Tagovailoa’s statement read in part, announcing his return. “Terp Nation – you’ve welcomed me with open arms since I stepped foot on campus and it has been a truly remarkable three years … My goal when coming to Maryland was to help Coach Locksley turn this program around. After winning back-to-back bow games, I believe we have things going in the right direction. But we’re not done yet. I’m not done yet.

“After careful deliberation, I have decided to return for my senior season. It is an honor to be a student-athlete at the University of Maryland and to represent this great university.”

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Now, Tagovailoa can run it back for one more year before taking his shot at the NFL.