Maryland Football honors departed teammate Jordan McNair

LANDOVER, Md. - The University of Maryland's football team took to the field at FedEx Field in Landover on Saturday for their first game of the 2018 season -- without teammate Jordan McNair.

The Terps honored Offensive Lineman McNair, who passed away over the summer. The players appeared on the field with McNair's number 79 on their helmets and held a moment of silence for the red-shirted freshman, who was from the Baltimore area.

The team emerged from the tunnel onto the field at FedEx with one of his former teammates carrying a red flag with McNair's number in large lettering.

McNair was hospitalized May 29 and died June 13, after reportedly suffering from a heat stroke during an organized team exercise.

University of Maryland Football Coach DJ Durkin was placed on administrative leave amid the investigation into McNair's death and strength coach Rick Court resigned.

Matt Canada, the offensive coordinator, was named the interim coach.

On Saturday, the team began their first play against the Texas Longhorns with 10 players on the field, leaving a spot for the right guard as the Terrapins offense took formation.

Maryland Quarterback Kasim Hill waited out the clock, but Texas declined the penalty for the delay of the game.

After blowing a 24-7 lead, Maryland forced three turnovers in the final 6:09 and scored the game's final 10 points to stun the Longhorns in the opener for the second year in a row.

"I just can't say enough about our players, everything they've been through and the way they stuck together," interim Coach Canada said on Saturday. "It was a great way to honor Jordan. This was a win for Jordan. We're certainly proud of our team, proud of our program."

Freshman Jeshaun Jones ran for a score, threw for one and caught a 65-yard TD pass. Quarterback Kasim Hill went 17 for 29 for 222 yards.

"Everything that has happened this summer has brought us closer together," Hill said. "It was just fun to be back out there."

The Terps are establishing a scholarship in McNair's memory and will also be holding a moment of silence for McNair during their September 15 game against Temple.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.