Commitment Date: July 18, 2012
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
High School: Friendship Collegiate Academy
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 215 lbs.
ESPN Rank: #97 OLB, 3-star
Scout.com Rank: N/A, 2-star ILB
Rivals Rank: N/A, 3-star ILB
247Sports Rank: #84 OLB, 3-star
40 time: 4.70 secs. (Rivals); N/A (ESPN, Scout.com, 247Sports)
Other Offers: Boston College, Buffalo, Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Old Dominion, Syracuse, Temple.
With Jermaine Carter’s commitment to Maryland, he became the 4th player from Friendship Collegiate Academy to commit to the Terps. After teammates Derwin Gray, Cavon Walker, and Yannick Ngakoue (who later rescinded his commitment to Maryland) committed to play for the Terps, Carter probably knew a lot about Maryland and what they are about. With so many linebackers already in the Class of 2013 for Maryland, Carter simply adds to the list of possibilities for Randy Edsall and his staff next season.
Even though Carter is listed as both an outside and an inside linebacker in the ratings, he will play outside linebacker for Maryland. Matt Bracken of The Baltimore Sun reports that Carter will play the weakside (or “Will”) linebacker position in Brian Stewart’s 3-4 scheme. The weakside linebacker has to be the fastest of the group, since he is more often than not the guy who will be covering receivers or tight ends.
ESPN reports that his best skill is his ability to diagnose plays. He is athletic enough to be able to read offenses on the fly, and is able to think quickly. This is obviously a skill that coaches like in a player, and should definitely help Carter going forward. He projects to be a starter down the road for the Terps, manning that weakside linebacker position. Cavon Walker, his teammate in high school, projects to be an inside linebacker. Yannick Ngakoue (if he re-commits to Maryland) would play strongside linebacker. It’s a very strong possibility that you could see 2 (or maybe even 3) high school linebacker teammates on the field at the same time for the Terps.
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: zack.kiesel@baltimoresportsandlife.com.