Get To Know ... The Running Backs

With lots of attention on the wide receivers and quarterback, Maryland’s running backs have largely flown under-the-radar during fall camp. But make no mistake, though that position group may be younger and less experienced, they are ready to play a major role in a Terp offense that has sky-high expectations. 

Sophomore Colby McDonald and redshirt freshmen Roman Hemby and Antwain Littleton II will each play major roles for the Terps in 2022.  

Last season, McDonald finished second on the team with 60 carries for 325 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. Hemby and Littleton redshirted last year, but each saw game action. Hemby played in four games and scored two times, while Littleton appeared twice and recorded a touchdown. All three scored touchdowns in Maryland’s dominant win over Virginia Tech in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. 

All three guys are also Maryland natives. Get to know them better below.

What drew you to Maryland?

RH: This is my hometown and I wanted to stay home. It’s more fun to make your home state greater and I want to do that here.

CM: Maryland’s home. The coaching staff held me in great arms, similar to my high school coaches. I had former teammates come here too. Growing up, I just always wanted to put on for Maryland, put on for where I’m from.

AL: I’ve been coming to Maryland games and camps since about sixth grade. That was when Coach Locksley was here and, from the first time I met him, we were able to form a relationship. We’ve had a relationship since then and he always preached about the kids who are good in this state staying home, and I believed in him.

What are you most looking forward to this season?

RH: Mostly just being out here with the guys. Last year I redshirted, so I was able to bring energy, but I wasn’t able to showcase my talents and help the team out each week. I’m really excited to do that this year and put the best product I can on the field to help this team be successful. 

CM: For the team to shock the world; to show what we’re really capable of. We’ve been working all winter, summer and throughout camp, putting in hard work and I’m excited to show the whole world the work we’ve been putting in. 

AL: To show what the running backs can do. We’re young so we’re really slept on right now, but we’re just waiting for Sept. 3 so we can show everyone what we’ve been working on.

What do you want people to know about the running backs room?

RH: We’re underrated. We’re ready for the challenge. We’ve had some bumps and bruises along the way from being young and learning fast, but as Coach (Elijah) Brooks says ‘The play doesn't care who makes it.’ I’m excited. I feel like we have every capability, every asset to get it done.

CM: We’re not just a passing offense. We can really run the ball successfully. We’ve got a whole bunch of running backs and everyone can go. 

AL: I just want everyone to see how diverse our running back room is. Everyone in our running back room can do a lot of different things. I’m more of what you’d call a bruiser, Roman’s definitely the speedster and Colby and (true freshman) Ramon (Brown) can do a little of both.

What do you like most about being a running back?

RH: Getting the feel of everything. You get to run the ball, you get to block and you get to catch the ball. It’s like being a lot of the skill positions put together.

CM: Making big runs. Those get the crowd going, it’s the best feeling.

AL: Scoring touchdowns. When you score, and hear the crowd cheering you on, it’s just a feeling I can’t even describe. 

What’s your favorite memory from last season?

RH: The bowl game. That was my first real taste of playing college football, and we got the win so it felt good bringing that back to College Park.

CM: Beating Rutgers to go to the bowl game. I feel like that was one of our best all-around games.

AL: Definitely when I scored my first touchdown in the bowl game last year. That was definitely one of the best runs I’ve ever had. 

What’s your favorite spot to eat on campus? 

RH: Marathon Deli. I go there all the time and get the same thing every time.

CM: Stamp (The Adele H. Stamp Student Union). The Chick-Fil-A there for sure. 

AL: Definitely Stamp. That has everything that you need.

What are your interests outside of football?

RH: I’m really big into listening to R&B and rap music. I like hanging around people, I’m a family person. Just hanging around people I trust is something I really value.

CM: Video games and rapping.

AL: Playing chess and listening to different genres of music. I listen to a lot of people who are from this area.

What else do you want people to know about you?

RH: I love relaxing. I’m not much of a talker. 

CM: I’m very good at making music. 

AL: There’s not too much to me, I’m really simple. Football is everything that I do.