Maryland Coach Opts Not to Pay IU’s Roman Hemby, Kellan Wyatt
No. 2 Indiana will face Maryland on Saturday at SECU Stadium, marking a significant homecoming for running back Roman Hemby. Hemby, a Maryland native, spent his initial college years under coach Mike Locksley at Maryland. He is not alone; defensive end Kellan Wyatt also transitioned from Maryland to Indiana, having played three seasons for the Terrapins.
Unfortunately, Wyatt will not participate in this weekend’s game due to a knee injury sustained against Michigan State two weeks ago. This season, he recorded 28 tackles and two and a half sacks before the injury. Hemby has had an impressive season, accumulating 513 rushing yards and 131 receiving yards, alongside four rushing touchdowns.
The Shift in College Football Dynamics
Locksley revealed that both Hemby and Wyatt would have continued their careers at Maryland had the university opted to pay them. Instead, Maryland has chosen to focus on recruiting high school players, a decision leading to a challenging 1–3 record in Big Ten play this season.
Locksley’s Statement on Player Recruitment
In a recent interview on The Sports Junkies, Locksley mentioned, “If I had the money to be able to pay them at that time, there’s no doubt those guys would have wanted to remain here as Terps.” His comments highlight the evolving landscape of college sports, where financial decisions heavily impact player retention.
- Roman Hemby: 513 rushing yards; 131 receiving yards; four touchdowns.
- Kellan Wyatt: 28 tackles; 2.5 sacks (injured).
The Beginning of an Emotional Journey
Hemby expressed intense emotions at the start of the season, reflecting on his journey with Indiana. He described the team’s culture as a “breath of fresh air” and acknowledged the rarity of second chances in sports.
Future Implications
Locksley faces scrutiny regarding his recruitment strategy. By choosing to build a team with young talent rather than retaining proven players, he risks weakening his squad in the short term. The success of this approach will unfold as the season progresses.
As Indiana preparations for their upcoming game, all eyes will be on Hemby’s performance during this notable homecoming against his former team, Maryland.
