Maryland’s backfield got a late shake-up this offseason when Nolan Ray hit the transfer portal, leaving the Terps with a depth question that needed a quick answer. Head coach Mike Locksley didn’t waste time. He went out and added a pair of transfers to bolster the room-and while one of them didn’t stick, the other might end up being a sneaky-good pickup.
Enter Harry Dalton III, a former USC running back with a compact frame, explosive burst, and plenty of untapped potential.
Originally committing alongside Old Dominion transfer Trequan Jones, Dalton’s role became even more significant when Jones flipped to Tulsa. That left Dalton as the lone addition in the Terps’ late push to reinforce their running back depth. And while he didn’t get a ton of shine during his time in Southern California, there’s reason to believe his best football is still ahead of him.
At USC, Dalton was part of a crowded and competitive running back room, which limited his opportunities to make a major impact on the field. But those who followed him closely saw flashes-burst through the hole, balance through contact, and the kind of quick-cut ability that can translate well in the Big Ten. He’s not the biggest back, but he runs with purpose and has the kind of low center of gravity that can make him tough to bring down in space.
For Maryland, it’s not just about plugging a hole-it’s about adding a back who brings a different dimension to the offense. Dalton’s skill set fits well with what Locksley likes to do: spread the field, get athletes in space, and let them make plays. He’s got the tools to be a change-of-pace option, but if he continues to develop, he could push for more than that.
The Terps have been steadily building a more dynamic offense, and while the headlines often focus on the quarterback or wideouts, the running back room is a critical piece of that puzzle. Dalton gives them a versatile option who’s hungry for a bigger role and has the kind of upside that makes this a smart, under-the-radar addition.
With spring ball on the horizon, Dalton will get his shot to prove he belongs in the rotation. And if he can carry over the flashes he showed at USC into a bigger role at Maryland, don’t be surprised if he becomes a name to watch in the Terps’ backfield this fall.