Marylands Secondary Gets A Late Twist Before The Opener

After overcoming legal hurdles, cornerback Dontay Joyner is poised for a comeback to Maryland's roster, promising renewed depth to the team's secondary.

Days before Maryland’s season opener, the Terps are set to get a familiar face back in the secondary.

A source confirmed that cornerback Dontay Joyner is expected to re-join the program weeks after he was dismissed. Joyner’s exit came after multiple charges tied to an incident that left him in jail for nearly a month before trial. A deal was later reached that included reduced charges and a required anger management course.

His return brings obvious help on the field, but it also opens the door to more questions off it, especially after head coach Mike Locksley had said a change of scenery was needed.

"This summer really was not a good thing for him, not a good thing for us. I hate to see him have to go through what he went through, and so based on our conversations, we both have decided that mutually decided that he should find another place.

He has two years of eligibility left. We're helping him find a place to go play.

He's a guy that deserves another chance. We just felt like because of what he went through here in the state of Maryland, he probably needs a fresh shot."

Exactly when Joyner will be available is still unclear. But his presence would give Maryland a significant boost in the defensive backfield. A former NFL prospect, Joyner was projected to start at slot corner this season, with Amari Jackson and Jamare Glasker lined up to start outside.

Maryland also brought in Jordan Scruggs through the transfer portal and added several freshmen in the secondary, including Darrell Carey and Zahir Cobb.

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