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With Maryland’s 2015 recruiting class all but wrapped up, it is time to look towards the members of the 2016 class. The buzz surrounding this class has been louder than ever in College Park, with the “DMV-to-UMD” movement making waves with recruits on social media.
Commitments
Current Class Rankings (Updated as of January 28, 2015)
247Sports: #27 (#4 in Big Ten)
ESPN: N/A
Rivals: N/A
Scout: N/A
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Running Backs (1)
Lorenzo Harrison (Hyattsville, MD)
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 186 lbs.
247Sports Rank: 3-star RB
ESPN Rank: 3-star RB
Rivals Rank: 3-star APB
Scout Rank: 3-star RB
40yd Dash: 4.40 seconds (Hudl)
Other Offers: Hawaii, Old Dominion, Virginia
Randy Edsall and the Maryland coaching staff have been desperately trying to create a pipeline to the recruiting hotbed that is DeMatha Catholic High School. Ralph Friedgen and his staff could not do it, but Edsall is slowly building up the Terrapins’ presence at the nearby school. Lorenzo Harrison is one of the first, but surely not one of the last, recruits from the school known for their running backs. While he isn’t the highest ranked recruit the Terps have in their 2016 class, his presence holds more weight than most 3-star recruits. With Brandon Ross, Albert Reid, and Wes Brown set to graduate in the next few years, there will be plenty of open carries to be distributed to players like Harrison. His speed and versatility make him a great fit for Mike Locksley’s diverse running scheme. He will need to bulk up a bit to handle the inside running game, but has a chance to be very good with the Terrapins in the future.
Hudl Highlights
Wide Receivers (1)
Darryl Turner (Hyattsville, MD)
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 175 lbs.
247Sports Rank: N/A (WR)
ESPN Rank: 3-star WR
Rivals Rank: 3-star APB
Scout Rank: N/A (CB)
40yd Dash: N/A
Other Offers: Army, Massachusetts, Navy, Old Dominion, Toledo, Western Michigan
Making two of Maryland’s first three commitments from powerhouse DeMatha Catholic High School, Darryl Turner simply furthers the belief that a pipeline from the local school to College Park is imminent. While he isn’t the highest-ranked player that the Terrapins will recruit this season, he plays a very important role in the 2016 class. He likely projects as a slot receiver or a cornerback for Maryland, and could attract further talent from DeMatha both this season and in the future.
Turner is a dynamic playmaker, and has played a host of positions for the Stags. While most of his time has come at wide receiver and cornerback, he has also played some running back, safety, and has even returned kicks. DeMatha head coach Elijah Brooks told Matt Zenitz of the Baltimore Sun that the Terrapins are recruiting Turner as an athlete. “He’s so dynamic on both sides of the ball that they don’t want to pigeonhole him into one position right now. They’ll make that determination down the line. They just know that they want him in the program.” Brooks also said that Turner scored every three times he touched the ball and compared him to Maryland cornerback William Likely.
Hudl Highlights
Linebackers (1)
Keandre Jones (Olney, MD)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 210 lbs.
247Sports Rank: 3-star OLB
ESPN Rank: 3-star OLB
Rivals Rank: 4-star OLB
Scout Rank: 4-star OLB
40yd Dash: 4.70 seconds (247Sports)
Other Offers: Charlotte, Iowa, Kentucky, Penn State, Virginia, West Virginia
Another recruit from a hotbed of young talent, Keandre Jones chose Maryland over Penn State, who was originally thought to be the favorite for his commitment. Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, MD has been good to the Terrapins. Stefon Diggs, Wes Brown, and Jesse Aniebonam are just three recruits from the school to have success in College Park. Jones’ commitment to Maryland is what people are calling the first in what will be many to come in the “DMV-to-UMD” movement. Many local recruits took notice, including Stefon Diggs’ younger brother Trevon, a 4-star wide receiver in his own right. Adam Friedman and Mike Farrell of Rivals each noted the significance of Jones’ commitment.
Hudl Highlights
Targets
Quarterbacks
Dwayne Haskins (Potomac, MD) – 4-star Pro-Style Quarterback
High School: The Bullis School
Other Offers: Arizona, Arizona State, Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Hawaii, Kentucky, Miami (FL), Michigan, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, SMU, Syracuse, Temple, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, Utah, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Jarrett Guarantano (Oradell, NJ) – 4-star Pro-Style Quarterback
High School: Bergen Catholic
Other Offers: Alabama, Arizona State, Boston College, Clemson, Connecticut, Duke, Illinois, Louisville, Michigan State, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Ohio, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse, Tennessee, UCLA, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Wisconsin
Jordan Fuller (Westwood, NJ) – 4-star Dual-Threat Quarterback
High School: Northern Valley Regional at Old Tappan
Other Offers: Alabama, Boston College, Duke, Florida State, Miami (FL), North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee, UCLA, Virginia
Jamie Newman (Graham, NC) – 0-star Dual-Threat Quarterback
High School: Graham
Offers: Boston College, Duke, East Carolina, Elon, North Carolina State, Vanderbilt, West Virginia
Brandon Peters (Avon, IN) – 4-star Pro-Style Quarterback
High School: Avon
Offers: Boston College, Indiana, Iowa, Miami (OH), Virginia Tech
Devin Butler (Upper Marlboro, MD) – 0-star Pro-Style Quarterback
High School: Frederick Douglass
Offers: None
Elijah Cunningham (Springboro, OH) – 0-star Pro-Style Quarterback
High School: Springboro
Offer: Akron
Eddie Hahn (Red Bank, NJ) – 0-star Pro-Style Quarterback
High School: Red Bank Catholic
Offers: Bucknell, Monmouth, North Carolina State
Dwayne Haskins has been one of Maryland’s top targets across the board for a few years now. While listed as a pro-style quarterback, Haskins is more than mobile enough to run the option elements of Mike Locksley’s offense. He would be one of the most talented quarterbacks to come to Maryland in a long time. Randy Edsall and his coaching staff will be competing with Ohio State for Haskins’ commitment, with Maryland likely able to promise more of an opportunity for early playing time than the Buckeyes. Jarrett Guarantano is also being recruited heavily by Ohio State, with a number of schools also in the running. UCLA is considered to be the favorite to land Jordan Fuller, with Rutgers also in the mix. Maryland’s best chance here is Haskins, who has been hailed as one of the leaders of the “DMV-to-UMD” movement.
Running Backs
Robert Washington (Huntersville, NC) – 4-star Running Back
High School: Southlake Christian Academy
Other Offers: Arizona, Arizona State, Boston College, California, Connecticut, Duke, Florida, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami (FL), Michigan, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Stanford, Syracuse, TCU, Tennessee, UCLA, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Jordan Edwards (District Heights, MD) – 0-star Running Back
High School: Bishop McNamara
Offers: None
Damien Jones (Leonardtown, MD) – 0-star Running Back
High School: St. Mary’s Ryken
Offers: None
Abdul Adams (Washington, DC) – 3-star Running Back
High School: Woodrow Wilson
Offers: Charlotte, Connecticut, East Carolina, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Marshall, Michigan State, Old Dominion, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Temple, West Virginia
Deon McIntosh (Fort Lauderdale, FL) – 3-star Running Back
High School: Cardinal Gibbons
Other Offers: Cincinnati, Duke, East Carolina, Florida A&M, Illinois, Miami (FL), Notre Dame, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Temple, Tennessee, Wisconsin
Dante Butler (Frederick, MD) – 0-star Running Back
High School: Lingamore
Offers: None
Antwand Wilson (Dayton, OH) – 0-star Running Back
High School: Chaminade Julienne
Offers: None
Savion Johnson (Wheeling, WV) – 0-star Running Back
High School: Wheeling Park
Offer: Akron
With Lorenzo Harrison already signed to the 2016 class, the running back position isn’t much of a priority for the Terrapins moving forward. However, Robert Washington’s recruitment is wide open, and Maryland certainly won’t let an opportunity to add a 4-star running back pass them by. Ohio State and North Carolina are considered to be the leaders for his commitment, but Tennessee, Maryland, and Ole Miss are among the large number of schools still in the running.
Wide Receivers
Trevon Diggs (Bethesda, MD) – 4-star Wide Receiver
High School: The Avalon School
Other Offers: Auburn, Boston College, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Penn State, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
Eric Kumah (Woodbridge, VA) – 0-star Wide Receiver
High School: Forest Park
Other Offers: Boston College, Old Dominion, Pittsburgh, Temple, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Courtney Lark (Bellaire, TX) – 4-star Wide Receiver
High School: Bellaire
Other Offers: Baylor, Kentucky, Nebraska, SMU, TCU, Texas Tech, UNLV
Donnie Corley (Wyandotte, MI) – 4-star Wide Receiver
High School: Martin Luther King
Other Offers: Arizona State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Toledo, Wake Forest, Wisconsin
Steven Smothers (Reisterstown, MD) – 4-star Wide Receiver
High School: Franklin
Offers: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Marshall, Michigan, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Ohio State, Old Dominion, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Temple, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Drake Davis (Baton Rouge, LA) – 4-star Wide Receiver
High School: Fork Union Military Academy
Other Offers: Alabama, Florida State, Miami (FL), Temple, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Theo Howard (Thousand Oaks, CA) – 3-star Wide Receiver
High School: Westlake
Offers: Michigan, Oregon State, San Diego State, TCU, Texas A&M, UCLA, USC, Washington, Washington State
Hasise Dubois (Wayne, NJ) – 3-star Wide Receiver
High School: De Paul Catholic
Offers: Boston College, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Temple, Wake Forest
Kobay White (Harrisburg, PA) – 3-star Wide Receiver
High School: Bishop McDevitt
Other Offers: Boston College, Connecticut, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Temple, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Brennon Dingle (Baltimore, MD) – 0-star Wide Receiver
High School: Archbishop Spalding
Other Offers: None
Brad Hawkins (Camden, NJ) – 4-star Wide Receiver
High School: Camden
Other Offers: Florida, Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Old Dominion, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Carolina, Syracuse, Temple, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Tre Nixon (Melbourne, FL) – 4-star Wide Receiver
High School: Viera
Other Offers: Army, Central Florida, Colorado State, Duke, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami (FL), Michigan State, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, South Florida, Temple, Texas, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Darryl Turner (Hyattsville, MD) – 0-star Wide Receiver
High School: DeMatha Catholic
Offers: Army, Old Dominion, Western Michigan
Delontae Moore (Washington, DC) – 0-star Wide Receiver
High School: Ballou
Offers: Charlotte, Clemson, North Carolina State, Old Dominion
Devin Judd (Olney, MD) – 3-star Wide Receiver
High School: Our Lady of Good Counsel
Offers: None
Javonte Ferguson (Jacksonville, MD) – 0-star Wide Receiver
High School: Ed White
Offers: Central Florida, South Florida, Western Michigan, West Virginia
Damon Hayes (Upper Marlboro, MD) – 0-star Wide Receiver
High School: Dr. Henry Wise
Offers: None
Taysir Mack (Brooklyn, NY) – 0-star Wide Receiver
High School: Grand Street
Offers: Rutgers, Syracuse
Morgan Scroggins (Towson, MD) – 0-star Wide Receiver
High School: Calvert Hall College
Offers: Northern Illinois, Youngstown State
The Maryland Terrapins may not be long without a Diggs playing wide receiver for them in College Park. While star slot receiver Stefon Diggs left for the NFL after the 2014 season, his brother Trevon may take his place in 2016. Maryland is considered to be the favorite for his commitment, though Penn State is making a strong push. Like Dwayne Haskins, Diggs is one of the big pieces of the “DMV-to-UMD” movement. Maryland has its eyes on quite a few other 4-star receivers, but are putting most of their time into Diggs.
Tight Ends
Cary Angeline (Exton, PA) – 4-star Tight End
High School: Downington East
Offers: Boston College, Connecticut, Duke, Iowa, Massachusetts, Miami (FL), Michigan State, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, Temple, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Jay Rose (Southington, CT) – 0-star Tight End
High School: Southington
Offers: Boston College, Connecticut, West Virginia
The Terrapins have not offered a scholarship to any tight end in the class of 2016, and have only targeted two. Angeline is considered to be a lock to commit to Penn State, and Rose has not received much interest from anyone. Mike Locksley’s offense uses multiple tight ends very rarely, so having more than a few on the roster is pointless. Expect Maryland to target more in the classes of 2017 and 2018.
Offensive Linemen
Jauan Williams (Washington, DC) – 4-star Offensive Tackle
High School: Archbishop Carroll
Other Offers: Arizona, Arkansas, Clemson, Connecticut, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Temple, Tennessee, Toledo, UCLA, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Richard Merritt (Washington, DC) – 4-star Offensive Guard
High School: Archbishop Carroll
Other Offers: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Connecticut, Florida, Florida State, Iowa, Kentucky, Miami (FL), Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Temple, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Michal Menet (Reading, PA) – 4-star Offensive Tackle
High School: Exeter
Other Offers: Boston College, Duke, Florida State, Iowa, Miami (FL), Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Carolina, Temple, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Clark Yarbrough (Woodberry Forest, VA) – 4-star Offensive Tackle
High School: Woodberry Forest
Other Offers: Arizona State, Arkansas, Boston College, California, Central Florida, Clemson, Duke, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Terrance Davis (Hyattsville, MD) – 4-star Offensive Guard
High School: DeMatha Catholic
Other Offers: Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia Tech
Devery Hamilton (Baltimore, MD) – 3-star Offensive Tackle
High School: The Gilman School
Other Offers: Charlotte, Clemson, Georgia Tech, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, South Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Matthew Hunt (Leonardtown, MD) – 0-star Offensive Tackle
High School: St. Mary’s Ryken
Offers: None
Connor McGovern (Lopez, PA) – 4-star Offensive Center
High School: Lake-Iehman
Other Offers: Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech, Miami (FL), Michigan State, North Carolina, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse
Sean Foster (Mundelein, IL) – 4-star Offensive Tackle
High School: Carmel Catholic
Other Offers: Buffalo, California, Duke, Eastern Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Miami (OH), Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina State, Northern Illinois, Purdue, Syracuse, Toledo, Virginia Tech
J.P. Urquidez (Hyattsville, MD) – 4-star Offensive Tackle
High School: DeMatha Catholic
Other Offers: Baylor, Clemson, Colorado, Florida State, Kansas State, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Navy, Nebraska, New Mexico State, Oklahoma, Penn State, South Carolina, Texas, Texas Tech, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Liam Smith (Red Bank, NJ) – 3-star Offensive Tackle
High School: Red Bank Catholic
Offers: Duke, Miami (FL), Old Dominion, Rutgers, Syracuse, Virginia, Wake Forest
Josh Ball (Fredericksburg, VA) – 3-star Offensive Tackle
High School: Stafford
Other Offers: Duke, Illinois, Marshall, North Carolina State, Old Dominion, Penn State, South Carolina, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Stephen Spanellis (Baltimore, MD) – 3-star Offensive Tackle
High School: The Gilman School
Other Offers: Charlotte, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Michigan State, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
Andrew Boselli (Jacksonville, FL) – 3-star Offensive Guard
High School: Episcopal
Other Offers: Illinois, Miami (FL), Mississippi State, Missouri
Johncarlo Valentine (Philadelphia, PA) – 2-star Offensive Guard
High School: Imhotep Institute
Offer: Temple
Shamar Hardin (Elkton, MD) – 0-star Offensive Guard
High School: Eastern Christian
Offers: Boston College, Buffalo, Massachusetts, Temple
Will Fries (Cranford, NJ) – 3-star Offensive Tackle
High School: Cranford
Offers: Army, Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Massachusetts, North Carolina State, Northwestern, Old Dominion, Penn State, Rutgers, South Carolina, Syracuse, Wake Forest
Andrew Vastardis (Ashburn, VA) – 0-star Offensive Guard
High School: Stone Bridge
Offers: None
Sean Ragan (Danvers, MA) – 0-star Offensive Guard
High School: St. John’s Preparatory
Offers: None
Eddy Fish (Groton, MA) – 0-star Offensive Tackle
High School: Lawrence Academy
Offers: None
Darian Bryant (Philadelphia, PA) – 0-star Offensive Guard
High School: Chestnut Hill Academy
Offer: Temple
NaSheed Bridgeman (Washington, DC) – 0-star Offensive Guard
High School: Gonzaga
Offers: None
Matthew Murchison (Hamden, CT) – 0-star Offensive Guard
High School: Hamden Hall
Offers: None
Zach Adams (Fredericksburg, VA) – 0-star Offensive Tackle
High School: Riverbend
Offers: None
Daniel Jeffrey (Washington, DC) – 0-star Offensive Tackle
High School: St. John’s College
Offers: None
The unprecedented run of talented offensive linemen in the DMV area continues with the class of 2016. Between the linemen at DeMatha Catholic High School (Hyattsville, MD) and Archbishop Carroll High School (Washington, DC), the Terrapins have a ton of linemen in their backyard to target and offer scholarships to. Teammates Jauan Williams and Richard Merritt hail from Archbishop Carroll. Maryland is considered to be the favorite for Williams, with a number of other teams in the running as well. Merritt is very high on Alabama, and Maryland is significantly lower on his list.
Terrance Davis and J.P. Urquidez play at DeMatha Catholic High School, the stockpile of talent just minutes from Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium. Maryland is considered to be the favorite for Davis, with Florida State, Alabama, and Penn State also pushing for his commitment. Urquidez seems to want to attend school in Texas, with Baylor, Texas A&M, and Texas topping his list. Maryland, however, is still in the running.
Defensive Linemen
Ellison Jordan (Baltimore, MD) – 4-star Defensive Tackle
High School: The Gilman School
Other Offers: Boston College, Charlotte, Connecticut, Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, James Madison, Marshall, Michigan State, North Carolina, Penn State, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Rashan Gary (Scotch Plains, NJ) – 5-star Defensive Tackle
High School: Paramus Catholic
Other Offers: Alabama, Army, Auburn, Boston College, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Florida, Florida State, Miami (FL), Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Carolina, Syracuse, Temple, Tennessee, USC, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin
Rahshaun Smith (Towson, MD) – 4-star Strong-Side Defensive End
High School: IMG Academy
Other Offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Boston College, Clemson, Connecticut, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Miami (FL), Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon State, Penn State, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee, USC, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin
Karamo Dioubate (Philadelphia, PA) – 4-star Defensive Tackle
High School: William Penn Charter
Other Offers: Boston College, Florida, Massachusetts, Miami (FL), Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Temple, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Khalid Kareem (Farmington, MI) – 3-star Strong-Side Defensive End
High School: Harrison
Other Offers: Boston College, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Duke, Iowa, Louisville, Miami (FL), Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Wisconsin
Kyree Campbell (Woodbridge, VA) – 4-star Strong-Side Defensive End
High School: Freedom
Other Offers: Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Iowa, Miami (FL), Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Oluwole Betiku (Gardena, CA) – 4-star Strong-Side Defensive End
High School: Junipero Serra
Other Offers: Arizona State, Boston College, Florida State, Hawaii, Iowa, Miami (FL), Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Penn State, Texas A&M, UCLA, USC, Washington, Washington State
Anthony Long (Harrisburg, PA) – 3-star Defensive Tackle
High School: Bishop McDevitt
Other Offers: Boston College, Connecticut, Georgia Tech, Old Dominion, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Temple, West Virginia
Prince Sammons (Cincinnati, OH) – 4-star Strong-Side Defensive End
High School: Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
Other Offers: Akron, Alabama, Auburn, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Duke, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, Toledo, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech
Terrell Hall (Washington, DC) – 3-star Weak-Side Defensive End
High School: St. John’s College
Other Offers: Clemson, Connecticut, Duke, Florida State, Iowa, Kentucky, LSU, Miami (FL), Michigan State, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Syracuse, Tennessee, Toledo, UCLA, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Izon Pulley (Olney, MD) – 3-star Weak-Side Defensive End
High School: Our Lady of Good Counsel
Offer: Cincinnati
Aaron Seigle (Harrisburg, PA) – 3-star Defensive Tackle
High School: Susquehanna Township
Offers: Buffalo, Old Dominion, Syracuse
Ryan McCormac (New Hartford, NY) – 0-star Defensive Tackle
High School: New Hartford Senior
Offers: None
Yuka Onya (Bowie, MD) – 0-star Defensive Tackle
High School: Bowie
Offers: None
Leon Page (Detroit, MI) – 0-star Strong-Side Defensive End
High School: Martin Luther King
Offers: None
Brian Manuel (Washington, DC) – 0-star Defensive Tackle
High School: St. John’s College
Offers: None
The offensive and defensive lines have been a big area of recruiting focus for Maryland ever since Randy Edsall arrived on campus. In order to compete in the Big Ten Conference, your lines must be strong. The class of 2016 features a number of very talented defensive linemen. However, the Terrapins will not lose many linemen after the 2015 season, so none of their 2016 recruits would be counted on to contribute immediately. Also, many of the recruits listed here as strong-side defensive ends would be strong candidates to move to outside linebacker in Brian Stewart’s 3-4 defensive system. However, for the sake of accuracy, all recruits ranked as defensive linemen will stay here.
Rashan Gary is the top defensive line recruit in 2016 for the Terrapins, though Alabama is considered to be the favorite for his commitment. Ellison Jordan is very high on Maryland however, with Penn State and Virginia Tech also in the running. Maryland is not very high on Rahshaun Smith’s list, who is said to be deciding between Oklahoma, Florida State, and Clemson. Karamo Dioubate has not received the type of national attention yet that a 4-star defensive lineman usually gets, though he has received offers from Florida, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Penn State.
Linebackers
Keith Simms (Bethesda, MD) – 3-star Outside Linebacker
High School: Landon School
Other Offers: Boston College, Charlotte, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Marshall, Michigan, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Old Dominion, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Stanford, Syracuse, Temple, Toledo, Virginia, Wake Forest, West Virginia
Brendan Ferns (Saint Clairsville, OH) – 4-star Inside Linebacker
High School: St. Clairsville
Other Offers: Arizona, Cincinnati, Duke, Kent State, Kentucky, Michigan State, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Vanderbilt, Virginia, West Virginia
Kyle Taylor (Washington, DC) – 4-star Inside Linebacker
High School: Gonzaga
Offers: Boston College, Iowa, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin
Koby Quansah (West Hartford, CT) – 4-star Inside Linebacker
High School: Kingswood-Oxford School
Other Offers: Boston College, Connecticut, Duke, Northwestern, Old Dominion, Rhode Island, Rutgers, Syracuse, Yale
Dontavious Jackson (Houston, TX) – 4-star Inside Linebacker
High School: Alief Elsik
Other Offers: Arizona State, California, Colorado, Fresno State, Houston, Kansas, Louisiana Tech, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Purdue, SMU, Texas Tech, Vanderbilt
Greg Simmons (Fort Pierce, FL) – 3-star Inside Linebacker
High School: Fort Pierce Central
Other Offers: Cincinnati, Florida Atlantic
Dominique Ross (Jacksonville, FL) – 3-star Outside Linebacker
High School: Trinity Christian Academy
Offers: Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Fresno State, Georgia Southern, Miami (FL), North Carolina, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, Utah, UTSA, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin
Ali’i Niumatalolo (Annapolis, MD) – 3-star Inside Linebacker
High School: Broadneck Senior
Offers: None
Maverick Gamble (Upper Marlboro, MD) – 0-star Inside Linebacker
High School: Dr. Henry Wise
Offers: None
Nick Kramer (Minneapolis, MN) – 0-star Outside Linebacker
High School: Providence Academy
Offers: None
Alexy Jean-Baptiste (Pompano Beach, FL) – 0-star Outside Linebacker
High School: Coconut Creek
Other Offers: Central Florida, Cincinnati, Florida International, Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Florida, Temple, West Virginia
Linebacker is always an important recruiting position for Maryland, as Brian Stewart’s 3-4 defensive system calls for plenty of them. Much like the defensive linemen, linebackers recruited in the class of 2016 won’t be counted on to contribute immediately. Maryland is recruiting Keith Simms very heavily, and are considered to be the favorite for his commitment. Brendan Ferns is said to be deciding between a number of Big Ten schools, but Maryland is not one of them. The Terrapins are also recruiting Ali’i Niumatalolo, but have not yet offered him a scholarship. If you recognize that last name, Ali’i is Navy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo’s son.
Defensive Backs
Saivion Smith (Saint Petersburg, FL) – 5-star Cornerback
High School: IMG Academy
Other Offers: Baylor, Central Florida, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Iowa State, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Miami (FL), Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, UCLA, Virginia Tech
Patrice Rene (Alexandria, VA) – 4-star Cornerback
High School: Episcopal
Other Offers: Akron, Boston College, Duke, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, Syracuse, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
Robbie Robinson (Hampton, VA) – 3-star Cornerback
High School: Phoebus
Other Offers: Akron, Clemson, Duke, Georgia Tech, Hawaii, Michigan State, Ohio State, Old Dominion, Penn State, Southern Mississippi, Temple, Virginia, Wake Forest, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Eric Burrell (Owings Mills, MD) – 4-star Safety
High School: McDonogh School
Offers: Boston College, Duke, Old Dominion, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
Patrick Johnson II (Washington, DC) – 3-star Safety
High School: The Bullis School
Offers: Boston College, Delaware, Illinois, Old Dominion, Rutgers, Virginia
Keyvone Bruton (Norfolk, VA) – 3-star Safety
High School: Lake Taylor
Offers: Duke, Old Dominion, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
Isaiah Hayes (Calabasas, CA) – 0-star Cornerback
High School: Calabasas
Offers: Alabama State, Idaho, Utah
Chris Waddell (Alexandria, VA) – 0-star Cornerback
High School: T.C. Williams
Offers: None
With both of their starting safeties set to graduate after the 2015 season, building depth there is certainly a priority in Maryland’s 2016 recruiting class. The need for depth is especially strong at the strong safety position, where both Sean Davis and A.J. Hendy will move on after 2015. Cornerback is also a pressing need, as William Likely and Alvin Hill will be coming towards the end of their time in College Park. There isn’t a whole lot of depth behind them, so building that is a key for the 2016 class.
Saivion Smith is considered by most people to be the best cornerback in the 2016 class. While Maryland would certainly love to get his commitment, he is said to be deciding between Florida State and Florida. Patrice Rene is also not very high on the Terrapins, and has Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan at the top of his list. Robbie Robinson is more of a possibility, though Virginia is considered to be the favorite for his commitment. Eric Burrell is very high on the Terrapins, who are considered to be the favorite for his commitment. Virginia is also in the running. Patrick Johnson II is a very versatile athlete from Washington, DC. The Terrapins have shown some interest in him, but have yet to offer him a scholarship. Keyvone Bruton has gotten some interest from Maryland, but they have yet to offer him a scholarship and he is very high on Virginia Tech.
Terps Analyst
Zack is a financial analyst for a defense contractor in Washington, DC. The Owings Mills native focuses most of his efforts on Maryland Football recruiting and individual coach and player pieces; but also covers Terps Basketball. He has established relationships with Big Ten beat reporters across the conference, which he utilizes in his game previews. Now a Sr. Terps Analyst for BSL, Zack can be reached at: [email protected].