“A terrapin is a type of turtle that lives in brackish or fresh water and is often compared to a sea turtle due to its tolerance to salt water and webbed feet.”- The Turtle Hub paraphrased
One of the games that I watched this past Saturday was Towson @ Maryland. It kicked at Noon, and I was able to watch most of the second quarter and second half. You might wonder why I watched such an oddball matchup–because Bucko, I love football. Also, Maryland was one of those teams that I wanted to see on the field this season.
After going 4-8 last season, the Terrapins nabbed an impressive seven four-star recruits in the off-season. Former Towson Defensive Back and now Maryland Head Coach Mike Locksley has a talented bunch of young men that have impressively begun the season 3-0.
The game this past weekend against Coach Locksley’s Alma Mater which is about 50 miles away from University Park was not competitive, but it did give me a chance to pay attention to the highly touted freshman that have made an immediate positive impact for the Terps. One such freshman caught my eye above all of the rest. DB Messiah Delhomme.
When the game was 44-14 and there was 11:11 to go in the 4th I scribbled, “big hitter, great technique.” The 6’2/ 205 ATH physically already looks the part and tackles with precision and confidence. He’s recorded Ten Solo tackles so far this season to go along with a forced fumble by way of a blocked punt this past Saturday. Counting Tackle Assists, he’s up to 22 Total Tackles so far as he always seems hungry to be in on the play. He’s fearless, lightning quick, and has instincts you may expect from an upperclassman.
Out of high school, the top five recruit in Virginia received offers from Ohio St, Maryland, Virginia, Va Tech, Alabama, Auburn, Florida St, Michigan, and Penn St. He narrowed the list down to the home state schools, Ohio St, and Maryland. Ultimately the 2024 Region4A Defensive Player of the Year chose Maryland because of “the coach and camaraderie between the players” as he said to the Baltimore Sun.
Messiah was born on 10/31/ 2006. Golly-bill. That makes me feel old.
Look for number 33 on defense and Special Teams this Saturday at Noon on NBC as the Terps take on Wiscy in Madison. Incidentally, this is Maryland’s first road test of the season.
Messiah Delhomme Stats by Game:
- Week 1: 7 Total Tackles vs Florida Atlantic
- Week 2: 11 Total Tackles vs Northern Illinois
- Week 3: 4 Total Tackles and a Forced Fumble vs Towson
Only up Messiah, only up.
You know? Since he’s a Defensive Back, he qualifies for the McNelly Award. Maybe I’ll have a McNelly ‘Freshman of the Year’ Award for the most impactful freshman DB. Certainly he will be on the preseason watchlist for 2026/27.
Find the Humor and Keep on Movin’
Whit W.