The college football world was all pulling for Maryland freshman RB Josiah McLaurin when the Terrapins took the field on Saturday against UConn.
The Terps took care of business, with a commanding (50-7) victory to start the season, but the game held special meaning for McLaurin,
Robert Todd McLaurin and his cousin, Kirk, were killed in a tragic hit-and-run accident in Harlem, New York earlier this week. The 40-year-old father of Terps running back and his cousin were killed on Aug. 24.
“Gut wrenching story. Robert Todd McLaurin and cousin Kirk were killed in a hit & run on the eve of Kirk’s wedding this week. McClaurin’s son is Maryland freshman RB Josiah McLaurin. He scored his first career touchdown yesterday. Tomorrow, the family will bury his dad, only 40.💔,” Rudy Gersten shared on social media.
He added: “A 2017 Silverado hit several other cars w injuries as well. NYPD is still looking for the driver headed southbound in wrong lanes of the Henry Hudson pkwy near W 165th Street at 2:30 am Sat, Aug 24. Josiah’s dad was in passenger seat w cousin Kirk. Kirk’s wedding was the next day.”
“The Silverado was fleeing the scene of another crash and was actually being chased by a Toyota RAV4. NYC Mayor Adams has pledged his own money for anyone with information about the driver. Call 1-800-577-TIPS.”
RB Josiah McLaurinn Has Bittersweet Start To College Football Career
After the dominating victory, UMD head coach Mike Locksley addressed the media.
Great team win, great start to the 2024 season, and great liftoff to it,” Locksley said. “We talked to our team going into this game about the start and the importance of getting off to a fast start and putting it all together. I thought we were able to do it today with all three phases contributing to the win.”
While it’s rare for a backup freshman to get a chance to score a touchdown in his first-ever college football career, the Terrapins were holding a commanding lead in the fourth quarter and were able to substitute their starters for several reserve players.
QB Cameron Edge entered the game in the fourth quarter and threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Josiah McLaurin to increase the Terrapins lead to 43.
McLaurin, who played wide reciever in high school in Clinton, NC, was a three-star prospect coming out of high school and made the transition to running back this offseason while adjusting to the transition football at the next level.
Cleary Saturday’s touchdown will always hold a special place for McLaurin as he continues his football career.
