As the Terps are working toward the start of their second season in the Big Ten Conference, Randy Edsall, Mike Locksley and the rest of the staff is working towards building the team for their third season on the conference.  The staff is getting commitments to add depth to the roster, but still targeting star players to increase the team’s overall talent level.

According to 247sports, Maryland currently stands with the No. 29 recruiting class for 2016. Here is an update on the Terps’ 2016 class.

(Discuss on the BSL board here)

Haskins to Diggs?

The prized prospect the Terps are still trying to reel in is wide receiver Trevon Diggs.  In getting Diggs, the Terps are staring down national recruiting powerhouse Nick Saban and Alabama. While on the surface it appears the Terps wouldn’t be a legitimate threat to the Crimson Tide, the Terps are still considered by most to be the front-runner.

A big part of the Terps appeal, aside from proximity, is quarterback Dwayne Haskins committing to Maryland. Diggs and Haskins are close friends and were recently working out together. Diggs posted a video on Twitter of himself catch passes from Haskins and it’s things like this that give the Terps legitimate hope that we could see this connection in 2016.

Viti Commits Following Camp

Last weekend, Edsall held a prospect camp for his football program. In running this camp, it was a goal to entice potential recruits to consider attending Maryland and joining the program. Along with building interest, Edsall was able to close the weekend with one committment, his 12th of the 2016 high school class.

The Terps got a commitment from safety Mike Viti from Cedar Cliff high school in Camp Hill, Pa. The 6-foot, 180-pound two-way high school player is not yet rated by major recruiting sites, but is expected to provide depth and versatility to the Terps secondary.

Viti announced his decision on Twitter following his visit to College Park and a week after putting his talents on display at Penn State. After receiving the offer from Edsall and the Terps, it didn’t take long for Viti to make his decision.

Fish Offer Coming After Workout?

Another prospect the Terps are working to bring in for the 2016 class is OL Eddy Fish from Grofton Lawrence Academy in Massachusetts.  Fish is expected to visit the Terps camp on June 25 and reshuffled some of his other visits to ensure he can see Maryland.  A 3-star prospect, Fish is a unique player in that at 6-foot-6, 290-pounds, he has only played one year of high school football.

Given his minimal experience, Fish is considered to be a raw talent, but shows great speed and footwork for his size. The Terps are expected to be the favorite for Fish, but are waiting for his workouts to officially extend the offer.

Gilman DT Jordan Announces Top 3

4-star defensive tackle Ellison Jordan from Gilman announced his top three schools on Twitter and the Terps are on that short list.  Jordan is one of the top prospect target for the Terps and are considered the favorites by 247sports.

A key attribute of Jordan’s skillset is his explosiveness from his 6-foot, 255-pound frame. Being slightly undersized, scouts say he uses his low pad level to win leverage battle in the trenches.  He also has a constant motor that always goes until the play ends with a whistle. While Jordan uses his size well, it is also viewed as one of his weaknesses and he can be overpowered by offensive linemen who have more size and similar quickness.  

Gaining a commitment for 2016 from Jordan would be a great boost to the Terps defense and continue to rebuild the depth and stability of the unit. Also, keeping one state’s top player in Maryland will help further “The Movement” and it will also keep him away from conference and border rival Penn State.

Terps Miss On WR Kumah

Haskins campaigned to sway 3-star wide receiver Eric Kumah toward College Park, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Kumah announced that he will play his collegiate football at Virginia Tech, selecting the Hokies over the Terps and others.

Kumah would have been a good target for Haskins to throw to in 2016 and would provide more depth if the do miss out on Diggs.  The decision came a week after visiting the Hokies camp as a spectator.

Updated List of 2016 Commitments

QB Dwayne Haskins, The Bullis School – 4 star

OLB Keandre Jones, Good Counsel – 4 star

WR Darryl Turner, DeMatha Catholic – 3 star

OT Michael Clark, Downingtown East (PA)– 3 star

RB Lorenzo Harrison, DeMatha Catholic – 3 star

CB Travon Stott, Good Counsel – 3 star

OT Terek Zingale, Nordonia (OH) – 3 star

OT Brian Plummer, South Carroll Sr. (PA)– 3 star

OT Alex Hall, Louisville (OH) – 2 star

DE Joey Fisher, Clear Spring – 2 star

DT Jeffery Pooler, Chaminade Julienne (OH) – 2 star

FS Mike Viti, Cedar Cliff (PA)

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2015 Big 33 Game

The annual Big 33 Classic between Maryland and Pennsylvania will be played tonight in Hershey, Pa. The game features players who will be [articipating in one of their final games as high school players. Below is a list of future Terps who will be playing in the game tonight.

Maryland Players

#24 Ty Johnson CB

#70 E.J. Donahue OL

#79 Ellis McKennie III OL

Pennsylvania Players

#1 D.J. Moore WR

Chris Garman
Chris Garman

Chris Garman attended Mount St. Mary’s University where he studied in Communications. He is a native of Steelton, Pa. and has covered Maryland Men’s Basketball and Football for PressBox since 2012. Chris previously covered High School Football for The Patriot News in Harrisburg, Pa. He can be reached by email at: [email protected].

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