Coming Home

Despite growing up as a standout football player from Frederick, Md., Jalen Huskey didn’t attract the interest one would expect from universities nationwide. 

However, the junior defensive back never let that bother him, although he had every right to be frustrated. Early in Huskey’s high school career, it looked like he would soon attract interest from dozens of schools. But recruiters cluttered their minds with questions, concerns and doubts. 

It was an unprecedented journey for Huskey. It took a reevaluation, a side quest to another school and him proving his worth, but he’s finally playing collegiate football in his home state in front of family and friends. He’s finally a Terp. 

The 6-foot-1, 196-pound defensive back studying sociology has been a constant in Maryland’s secondary with his ball-hawking ability. Through six games, he has three interceptions, one pass deflection and 17 total tackles (seven solo). His takeaway total ranks tied for second in the Big Ten. 

“Being able to share the successes with family and friends of just how far I've come since a little kid to where I am now is amazing,” Huskey said. “It wouldn't be possible without them, so that’s been huge for me. I love every single day I get to be here. It's been a blessing.”

Huskey was part of Middletown High School’s 2019 2A championship-winning squad as a sophomore All-State Second Team selection. In the state final, he caught a 65-yard touchdown pass in the opening minutes and intercepted two passes. He ended the year leading the state with 13 interceptions.

The defensive back, who occasionally subbed in as a wide receiver, then transferred to Quince Orchard High School, where he finished his senior year. He was part of another championship-winning squad, as he and the Cougars won the 2021 4A state championship. 

The win helped them complete a perfect 14-0 season, and his interception in the final sealed a 31-13 victory. Coaches selected him as the Montgomery All-County 4A Defensive Player of the Year. He even garnered a Washington Post All-Met First Team selection. 

Although his 2020 season was erased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the playmaker finished his career with 18 interceptions and 16 touchdowns on 21 total offensive touches in 30 career games. 

“You don’t have numbers like that unless you just have elite ball skills.” John Kelley, Huskey’s head coach at Quince Orchard, said. “He’s always had a nose for the football, whether it's playing the ball in space or playing the ball in the air, which is not easy to do. Probably some of the best ball skills I've ever had, and we’ve had some pretty good DBs.”

Despite all of his success, Duke was the only Power Five school to offer Huskey, and he had less than 10 offers in total. He also realized he would have to move far away from family and friends. Attending Maryland was a thought, but an offer from Maryland never came.

“He was one of those late bloomers,” Maryland head football coach Michael Locksley said. “He was kind of one of those guys right on the edge of an offer for us.” 

Kelley says various Big Ten and ACC schools were interested in Huskey but never fully committed to him. Huskey losing his junior may have been a factor, but he never questioned what transpired. Instead, he remained humble and trusted the process.     

Huskey committed to Bowling Green over schools such as Army and Monmouth, citing that he felt their football program was the best fit to help him achieve his goal of playing in the NFL someday. He shared his mindset at the time. 

“Maybe at the time, I just didn't hold what coaches were looking for,” Huskey said. “I felt like I made the best decision for myself at that time, and that's where I was supposed to be. I'm happy with what happened. I don't feel like I was under-recruited. If anything, I was just grateful to have a place to go.”

Huskey attended Bowling Green from 2022-23 with a chip on his shoulder. After appearing in nine games as a true freshman in 2022, he started all 12 of Bowling Green's games in 2023. He garnered First Team All-MAC honors while ranking third on the team with 52 tackles (30 solo) and leading the team with four interceptions and six pass breakups. Power Four conference teams took notice. 

“He’s gritty, he’s tough, humble,” Kelley said. “[He has] a lot of positive traits that I know from my experience go into making a guy successful on the football field. I knew it was a matter of time.” 

He even recorded an interception against J.J. McCarthy and No. 2 Michigan, the eventual national champions. 

“I definitely felt like when I went there, I wanted to show everybody that I belong, especially when we played the bigger schools,” Huskey said. “Anytime we had those matchups, I was extra motivated to show everybody I am who I think I am, and everybody is going to know it now.”

The defensive back entered the transfer portal following his breakout season. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the fifth-highest-rated cornerback from the Group of Five. Schools in the SEC and Big Ten suddenly blew up his phone. He had many options this time, yet he wanted to attend Maryland. 

“I knew when I got in the portal that I wanted to come to Maryland, and if that opportunity presented itself, it wasn't going to be very hard for them to convince me to come,” Huskey said. 

Huskey’s desire to come home and play in front of his friends and family made Locksley’s pitch easier. However, all the attention he garnered made things difficult.   

“He was a tough get for us to stay home, and I think he saw the value of coming back here, and he continues to see it,” Locksley said. “He's benefited our program in a lot of ways, and we've also helped him.”

As the Terps prepare for their homecoming weekend matchup against USC tomorrow, the tradition means a little more for Huskey. He had to put in extra work to earn Maryland’s interest. Once he did, his decision became a no-brainer. He’s returned home, where his journey started, and now he’s showing out every weekend in front of the people who supported him from day one. 

“I knew once I had the opportunity to come to Maryland, that's where I wanted to be,” Huskey said. “I wanted to be close to home. I wanted my family to be able to support me, and I wanted to play for the state.”