National Signing Day Wrap-Up

Image Credit: USA Today

National Signing Day is in the books for the Maryland Terrapins football team, and the program will be welcoming 19 new players to College Park. Randy Edsall and his staff had his eyes on three targets today, and they received a commitment from one. Unfortunately for the program, 5-star offensive lineman Isaiah Prince and 3-star defensive lineman Austrian Robinson chose to sign elsewhere, but the team was able to procure a commitment from 4-star offensive lineman Quarvez Boulware.

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Final Class Rankings

247Sports Rank: 47th (8th in Big Ten)
ESPN Rank: 47th (7th in Big Ten)
Rivals Rank: 54th (11th in Big Ten)
Scout Rank: 47th (8th in Big Ten)

Class Breakdown (based on 247Sports Composite Rankings)

*****: 0
****: 3
***: 15
**: 0
*: 0
Unranked: 1

Quarterbacks (1)

Gage Shaffer (Ridgeley, WV)

Height: 6’7″
Weight: 205 lbs.

Senior Statistics: 132/241 (54.8%), 2037 yards, 24 TDs, 11 INTs; 42 carries, 196 yards, 3 TDs

247Sports Rank: 3-star Pro-Style Quarterback
ESPN Rank: 3-star Pocket Passer Quarterback
Rivals Rank: 2-star Pro-Style Quarterback
Scout Rank: 3-star Quarterback

40yd Dash: 4.90 seconds (Hudl)

Other Offers: None

Most Comparable To: QB Caleb Rowe (Senior)

So far, Gage Shaffer is Maryland’s only quarterback recruit in the class of 2015, though they do have a few targets who have yet to commit anywhere. While he didn’t garner much national attention before his commitment to Maryland, he has caught the eye of former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann, who has raved about Shaffer on multiple occasions.

“I was as impressed with him in person as when I watched him on film,” Theismann said. “It’s all the little things like that that I saw…He takes instruction very well, and he’s an extremely athletic kid. He moves very well for a guy that’s 6-7.” Theismann also said that, in his eyes, Shaffer is a five-star recruit.

With players like Caleb Rowe, Perry Hills and Shane Cockerille on the depth chart ahead of Shaffer, he will be allowed plenty of time to develop as a quarterback. He will be a project for Randy Edsall and Mike Locksley to work on, and he may see the field down the road. A six-foot-seven quarterback is always intriguing, and it will certainly be interesting to watch his development over the next few seasons. However, 2015 will almost definitely see him redshirt while learning behind Rowe, Hills and Cockerille.

Hudl Highlights

Running Backs (1)

Ty Johnson (Cumberland, MD)

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 170 lbs.

Senior Statistics: 116 carries, 1733 yards, 14.9 YPC, 22 TDs; 11 catches, 371 yards, 8 TDs; 38 tackles, 3 INTs, 14 PBUs

247Sports Rank: 3-star Running Back
ESPN Rank: 3-star Athlete
Rivals Rank: 3-star Running Back
Scout Rank: 3-star Running Back

40yd Dash: 4.31 seconds (Hudl), 4.40 seconds (Rivals), 4.68 seconds (ESPN)

Other Offers: Albany

Most Comparable To: WR Jacquille Veii (Junior)

Speed is the name of the game for Ty Johnson, who played both running back and cornerback at Fort Hill High School. Like many of Maryland’s recruits, Johnson was not heavily sought-after when the Terrapins came knocking. His only other collegiate scholarship offer was from Albany, where former Maryland defensive line coach Greg Gattuso is the head coach.

Johnson’s highlight film speaks for itself. Fort Hill used him mostly on runs to the perimeter of the defense, and he finished his senior season averaging nearly 15 yards per carry. He shows good patience waiting for his blocks to open up, but will likely need to bulk up a bit to handle the inside running game that Mike Locksley likes to employ with his running backs. There is a chance that Johnson could end up at cornerback or as a slot receiver, but he seems best-suited for running back right now.

Johnson told Washington Post reporter Roman Stubbs that he “bursted into tears” when Maryland offered him a football scholarship. “It’s been a dream of mine to be able to go to a school like that. Coach Edsall made it a reality for me. I’m so thankful for that.” Johnson will likely redshirt the 2015 season and compete for time at running back or slot receiver in 2016. He also has a good chance to make an impact as a return specialist when William Likely graduates.

Hudl Highlights

Wide Receivers (2)

D.J. Moore (Philadelphia, PA)

Height: 6’0″
Weight: 200 lbs.

Senior Statistics: 35 catches, 1012 yards, 16 TDs

247Sports Rank: 3-star Wide Receiver
ESPN Rank: 3-star Wide Receiver
Rivals Rank: 4-star Wide Receiver
Scout Rank: 4-star Wide Receiver

40yd Dash: 4.49 seconds (Hudl)

Other Offers: Boston College, Buffalo, Connecticut, Duke, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Temple, Virginia, Wake Forest, Western Michigan

Most Comparable To: WR Amba Etta-Tawo (Redshirt Junior)

D.J. Moore is currently one of the best recruits in Maryland’s 2015 class, and will help to replenish the team’s wide receiving corps after losing both Deon Long and Stefon Diggs after the 2014 season. Randy Edsall and his staff beat out many other Big Ten schools for Moore, including Indiana, Northwestern and Rutgers. He is a sure-handed athletic receiver with very good speed.

Moore compares very well to Maryland receivers like Deon Long and Amba Etta-Tawo. He will fit perfectly into a split end position in Mike Locksley’s offense, where he will be asked to run a lot of different routes. While he will be asked to be the primary deep threat for the offense, he will also need to be able to run screens and intermediate routes such as digs and outs. With his ability to catch the ball in traffic, Moore fits this position very well. He will likely spend 2015 as a redshirt year before competing for playing time in 2016.

Hudl Highlights

Jahrvis Davenport (Tampa, FL)

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 180 lbs.

Senior Statistics: 24 catches, 355 yards, 3 TDs; 9 carries, 23 yards, 2.6 YPC, 0 TDs

247Sports Rank: 3-star Wide Receiver
ESPN Rank: 3-star Wide Receiver
Rivals Rank: 3-star Wide Receiver
Scout Rank: 3-star Wide Receiver

40yd Dash: N/A

Other Offers: Ball State, Buffalo, Charleston Southern, Connecticut, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, James Madison, Marshall, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Samford, South Alabama, South Florida, Temple, Toledo, Tulane, Utah State, Wake Forest

Most Comparable To: WR Levern Jacobs (Redshirt Sophomore)

The Maryland coaching staff has been recruiting the state of Florida very heavily over the past few years, and Jahrvis Davenport is another piece of the puzzle from the Sunshine State. Despite a recent push from the Florida Gators, Davenport made it clear that Maryland has his full commitment. He is one of two wide receivers in the Terrapins’ 2015 class, and will fit into a slot receiver role in Mike Locksley’s offense.

Stefon Diggs has manned the slot receiver role ever since he stepped foot in College Park three years ago, but will be leaving a hole at the position when he leaves for the NFL. Levern Jacobs is the clear choice to fill that spot, but Jahrvis Davenport will likely be given the opportunity to compete with players like Jacquille Veii and DeAndre Lane for immediate playing time. His agility and quickness in space make him a perfect fit for the slot receiver role in a spread-to-run system like Locksley’s, and has the potential to get significant playing time down the road for the Terrapins.

Hudl Highlights

Offensive Linemen (5)

Quarvez Boulware (Washington, DC)

Height: 6’2″
Weight: 283 lbs.

247Sports Rank: 4-star Offensive Guard
ESPN Rank: 4-star Offensive Guard
Rivals Rank: 4-star Offensive Guard
Scout Rank: 4-star Offensive Guard

Other Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Boston College, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Iowa, Marshall, Miami (FL), Mississippi State, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Ohio, Old Dominion, Syracuse, Temple, Wake Forest

Most Comparable To: OL Evan Mulrooney (Redshirt Senior)

After news was leaked in mid-January about Boulware committing to Maryland, it was soon learned that his commitment was not completely official. Just a few weeks later, he made his commitment official the evening before National Signing Day by signing with the Terrapins. Maryland has been trying to bolster their offensive line at every position over the past few years, and Boulware is just another piece of that puzzle. With high-ranking offensive tackles Damian Prince and Derwin Gray already on the roster, the coaching staff turned to the interior of their offensive line in this recruiting class. Boulware has the versatility to play either offensive guard or center, which should serve the Terrapins well once senior lineman Evan Mulrooney graduates.

Much like Derwin Gray, Boulware attended Friendship Collegiate Academy, where he was coached by offensive line coach Randall White. White told David Wilson of Testudo Times that he feels comfortable saying that Boulware is better than Gray was under his leadership. Both linemen played offensive tackle for the Knights, but the coaching staff moved Boulware inside in his senior season to help with his recruitment. “You want to try to do the best you can to get the young man into college without sacrificing too much for your team,” Friendship head coach Mike Hunter said. “We were in the position this year where we were able to move him inside because a few other guys stepped up and played well.”While he likely won’t see the field in 2015, he will certainly be in the mix for a starting job at either offensive guard or center in 2016.

E.J. Donahue (Frederick, MD)

Height: 6’5″
Weight: 330 lbs.

247Sports Rank: 4-star Offensive Guard
ESPN Rank: 3-star Offensive Tackle
Rivals Rank: 3-star Offensive Guard
Scout Rank: 4-star Offensive Tackle

Other Offers: Florida State, Old Dominion, Rutgers, West Virginia, Wisconsin

Most Comparable To: OL Michael Dunn (Redshirt Junior)

E.J. Donahue was the first member of Maryland’s class of 2015 to commit to the Terrapins, doing so nearly 8 months before any other member of the class. There have been quite a few schools attempting to flip his commitment, but he has held strong to the University of Maryland. The stay-at-home movement that the Maryland coaching staff has been promoting really resonates with Donahue who told Evan Flood of 247Sports, “I like that the program has a bunch of kids from around the area that just stayed home. I think coach [Randy] Edsall knows what he’s doing and is turning the program around.”

Donahue has the unique ability to play both inside and outside on the offensive line. His size makes him better-suited for offensive tackle, but he is a very versatile player for offensive line coach Greg Studrawa. He is very similar to Michael Dunn, who has started at both offensive tackle and guard for the Terrapins over the past two seasons. Donahue is certainly higher-ranked coming out of high school than Dunn was, but their versatility is very similar. Donahue will likely redshirt the 2015 season, and compete for playing time in 2016.

Ellis McKennie (Owings Mills, MD)

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 285 lbs.

247Sports Rank: 3-star Offensive Guard
ESPN Rank: 3-star Offensive Guard
Rivals Rank: 3-star Offensive Guard
Scout Rank: 3-star Offensive Guard

Other Offers: Marshall, Rutgers

Most Comparable To: OL JaJuan Dulaney (Redshirt Sophomore)

Ellis McKennie was one of the first members of Maryland’s class of 2015, and was the second offensive linemen in the class to commit. He is a very strong young man, and was a part of the offensive line that has helped the McDonogh School reach some very high rankings in the state of Maryland over the past few seasons. He was also a member of McDonogh’s track and field team, and ranked as one of the best shot put competitors in the state over the past few years.

The Terrapins lose two interior linemen after the 2014 season, both of which were starters (LG Silvano Altamirano, C Sal Conaboy). Ellis McKennie will help to build the depth at offensive guard, where he is best-suited to play. He has good strength for his size, and is a perfect fit for Mike Locksley’s zone blocking system. Like most freshmen offensive linemen, McKennie will almost certainly redshirt the 2015 season and compete for a backup role in 2016.

Will McClain (Middletown, MD)

Height: 6’5″
Weight: 295 lbs.

247Sports Rank: 3-star Offensive Tackle
ESPN Rank: 3-star Offensive Guard
Rivals Rank: 3-star Offensive Tackle
Scout Rank: 3-star Offensive Guard

Other Offers: James Madison, Old Dominion, Rutgers, Temple, West Virginia

Most Comparable To: OL Ryan Doyle (Redshirt Senior)

Will McClain is another of the four offensive linemen in Maryland’s class of 2015. Unlike some of Randy Edsall’s other recruits, McClain was recruited fairly heavily before he chose the Terrapins. Whenever Stanford and Yale are expressing strong interest in a recruit, you know his GPA is higher than most. However, McClain’s brain isn’t the only thing that attracted the Maryland coaches to him.

McClain told Joe Ferraro of the Frederick News-Post that, “(The Maryland coaching staff) thought my footwork was good and that I was a natural leader”. He likely slots into Maryland’s offensive line as a tackle, though he does have the ability to play guard if necessary. He will likely redshirt in 2015, and compete for playing time in 2016.

Mason Zimmerman (Whitehouse, OH)

Height: 6’5″
Weight: 275 lbs.

247Sports Rank: 3-star Offensive Center
ESPN Rank: 3-star Offensive Center
Rivals Rank: 2-star Offensive Center
Scout Rank: 3-star Offensive Center

Other Offers: Air Force, Cincinnati, Marshall, Toledo

Most Comparable To: OL Evan Mulrooney (Redshirt Senior)

Mason Zimmerman is the only center in Maryland’s class of 2015, and will provide good depth at the position after Evan Mulrooney graduates after the 2015 season. Many collegiate centers come to school as an offensive guard and are taught to snap by the college’s offensive line coach. However, Zimmerman has always played center in high school, and is very good at it. According to Trevor Hass of the Baltimore Sun, Zimmerman learned to snap by playing backyard football with his best friend, a quarterback.

Craig Smith, Zimmerman’s high school coach, told Hass that, “…coming into the Big Ten, with us obviously from Ohio, upped the ante a little bit with what Maryland had to offer”. While he will almost certainly redshirt the 2015 season, he will likely compete for the starting center job with Brendan Moore in 2016. Terrapin fans should expect Zimmerman to be starting at center in College Park at some point down the road.

Defensive Linemen (3)

Adam McLean (North Potomac, MD)

Height: 6’1″
Weight: 282 lbs.

247Sports Rank: 4-star Defensive Tackle
ESPN Rank: 4-star Defensive Tackle
Rivals Rank: 4-star Strong-Side Defensive End
Scout Rank: 4-star Defensive Tackle

40yd Dash: 4.90 seconds (247Sports), 5.20 seconds (Hudl)

Other Offers: Akron, Alabama, Arizona State, Boston College, Clemson, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Marshall, Miami (FL), Michigan State, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Old Dominion, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Carolina, Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Toledo, Towson, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Washington, Washington State

Most Comparable To: DL Kingsley Opara (Redshirt Sophomore)

The Maryland Terrapins made big news in December when they grabbed the commitment of former Penn State recruit Adam McLean. Randy Edsall and his staff recruited McLean heavily before he committed to the Nittany Lions, and were able to snatch him away from Happy Valley when he opened his recruitment back up. Many people surrounding the Penn State football program put out negative information pertaining to McLean’s grades, but he announced just weeks ago that he was officially accepted to the University of Maryland.

With the graduation of nose tackle Darius Kilgo, the Terrapins have a 6’3″ 319 pound hole to fill in the center of their defensive line. Adam McLean will be given the immediate opportunity to fill that role in College Park. His sheer strength and run-stopping ability make him a natural fit for the nose tackle spot, and he will only get better once he bulks up just a bit more. The nose tackle is an extremely important position in Brian Stewart’s 3-4 system, as he is responsible for two gaps. 4-3 defensive tackles however, are only responsible for one gap.

Ever since he committed to Maryland, McLean has been aggressively recruiting other high-profile local recruits to stay at home and join him in College Park. He told Adam Friedman of Rivals, “I’m going after [4-star Dual-Threat QB] Dwayne Haskins, [5-star SDE] Byron Cowart, and everybody.” McLean is the type of recruit that coaches and fans love. Not only is he extremely passionate about Maryland football, he wants to share that passion with every potential recruit that he can find. 2015 will see him compete for snaps at nose tackle with sophomore David Shaw.

Hudl Highlights

Oseh Saine (Worcester, MA)

Height: 6’4″
Weight: 275 lbs.

247Sports Rank: 3-star Strong-Side Defensive End
ESPN Rank: 3-star Defensive End
Rivals Rank: 2-star Strong-Side Defensive End
Scout Rank: 2-star Defensive End

40yd Dash: N/A

Other Offer: Boston College, Wake Forest

Most Comparable To: DL Quinton Jefferson (Redshirt Sophomore)

A late and unexpected commitment for the Terps, Oseh Saine is a former Boston College commit who decided to leave New England and head to College Park. Many of the major recruiting sites have yet to rank him, but the most recent rankings have him as a high 3-star recruit. He is considered to be a defensive end, and will likely play the strong-side position in Brian Stewart’s 3-4 defensive scheme. There, he will be responsible for both stopping the run and rushing the passer. With his size, the coaches may elect to have him bulk up just a bit and play the weak-side defensive end position, where he would essentially act as a smaller defensive tackle. His job there would solely be to set the edge and stop the run. Saine will be able to enroll early at Maryland, allowing him to practice with the team in the spring. He will likely redshirt the 2015 season and compete for playing time in 2016.

Hudl Highlights

Keiron Howard (Oxon Hill, MD)

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 293 lbs.

Senior Statistics: 46 tackles (6.0 for loss), 7.0 sacks, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery

247Sports Rank: 3-star Defensive Tackle
ESPN Rank: 3-star Offensive Guard
Rivals Rank: 3-star Defensive Tackle
Scout Rank: 3-star Offensive Guard

40yd Dash: 4.90 seconds (247Sports)

Other Offers: Buffalo, Hampton, Marshall, New Mexico, Old Dominion, Temple, Tennessee

Most Comparable To: DL David Shaw (Sophomore)

One of two defensive lineman recruits for Maryland’s class of 2015, Keiron Howard simply adds depth to what will be a thin nose tackle spot in 2015. While the major recruiting sites disagree on Howard’s position, he will play defense for the Terrapins. Maryland was able to steal him away from Tennessee, who had long been considered the favorite for his commitment. Ultimately, Howard chose College Park over Rocky Top, and Randy Edsall and his staff are certainly happy about that.

Testudo Times did some in-depth film review of Howard, and gave a very good idea of what he brings to the table. He seems to be a very versatile player, one who has the strength to stuff the run inside while also possessing the agility to move quickly around interior offensive linemen. Having both of these skills will make him a very valuable player at the nose tackle position for Brian Stewart. There are a few things that Howard needs to work on however, as is the case with nearly every player coming out of high school. Testudo Times explains these items as follows: “He’s very deliberate around the line and could even be accused of being stiff at times. His feet are busy and take the right steps to get him where he needs to go, but his pace could be better.” Howard may spend the 2015 season redshirting, but will certainly be given the opportunity to compete for immediate snaps at nose tackle.

Hudl Highlights

Linebackers (4)

Gus Little (Fredericksburg, VA)

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 220 lbs.

Senior Statistics: 133 tackles (5.0 for loss), 5.0 sacks, 0 INTs, 1 fumble recovery

247Sports Rank: 3-star Inside Linebacker
ESPN Rank: 3-star Inside Linebacker
Rivals Rank: 3-star Outside Linebacker
Scout Rank: 3-star Middle Linebacker

40yd Dash: 4.61 seconds (Hudl), 4.62 seconds (247Sports)

Other Offers: Army, Boston College, Charlotte, Elon, James Madison, Marshall, North Carolina State, Old Dominion, Richmond, Toledo, Virginia, Virginia Military Institute

Most Comparable To: LB Brock Dean (Redshirt Junior)

The Maryland Terrapins are losing both of their starting inside linebackers after the 2014 season, and Randy Edsall and his staff have been recruiting that position heavily in an attempt to build depth behind the younger guys who will be stepping up as starters in 2015. Gus Little is one of four linebacker recruits for the Terrapins in their 2015 class, and fits well into Brian Stewart’s system. While he was long considered a Boston College commit, he surprised a number of people by committing to Maryland. According to Ahmed Ghafir of TerrapinStationMD, Little was very impressed by Randy Edsall’s dedication to helping players with their life after football. He is a potential engineering major with an incredibly strong work ethic.

The strong work ethic that Little possesses makes him a perfect fit for the inside linebacker spot in Brian Stewart’s 3-4 defensive system. Maryland fans have grown used to watching Cole Farrand roam the middle of the field for the past few seasons, and have been dazzled by his solid tackling ability and run-stopping prowess. Gus Little shares some of the same hard-working nature that Farrand had, while also bringing a little more speed and agility to the table. He will need to bulk up just a bit before he gets significant playing time, but he should be able to redshirt in 2015 and compete for playing time in 2016 and down the road.

Hudl Highlights

Isaiah Davis (Alexandria, VA)

Height: 6’1″
Weight: 215 lbs.

247Sports Rank: 3-star Outside Linebacker
ESPN Rank: 3-star Inside Linebacker
Rivals Rank: 2-star Outside Linebacker
Scout Rank: 2-star Outside Linebacker

40yd Dash: 4.75 seconds (ESPN)

Other Offers: Boston College, North Carolina State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech

Most Comparable To: LB Jalen Brooks (Redshirt Sophomore)

Randy Edsall killed two birds with one stone when he got Isaiah Davis to commit to the University of Maryland last August. Not only did he get the commitment of a very talented young man who will add much-needed depth to the inside linebacker position, but he got his likely NFL-bound strong safety Sean Davis to stay for his senior year and play with his younger brother.

Much like his older brother, Isaiah plays with great strength and heart, using his size to its full potential. Sean told Matt Zenitz of the Baltimore Sun, “His feet are great, so him playing outside [in high school] was good. Him playing inside, he’s a big dude, so he can bang and he can run with you, so I feel like [inside] ‘backer would be a great position for him. He’ll be free to make a lot of plays and be able to check the running backs and slots like that.” Isaiah will likely use 2015 as a redshirt year before joining the growing group of inside linebackers in 2016 and competing for playing time.

Hudl Highlights

Mbi Tanyi (Richmond, TX)

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 245 lbs.

Senior Statistics: 26 tackles (7.0 for loss), 1.5 sacks, 0 INTs, 0 fumbles recovered

247Sports Rank: 3-star Strong-Side Defensive End
ESPN Rank: 3-star Offensive Guard
Rivals Rank: 2-star Strong-Side Defensive End
Scout Rank: 3-star Defensive End

40yd Dash: 5.00 seconds (ESPN), 5.04 seconds (Hudl)

Other Offers: Air Force, Colorado, Houston, Louisiana Tech, Northern Colorado, Oklahoma State, Texas El-Paso, Texas State, Washington

Most Comparable To: LB Jesse Aniebonam (Sophomore)

Similar to the Maryland coaching staff’s foray into Florida recruiting, wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell has been heavily recruiting the state of Texas since he began coaching in College Park last season. Mbi Tanyi is the first of what should be a good number of recruits from Texas moving forward. In fact, Tanyi told Roman Stubbs of the Washington Post that the Terrapins were the first school to offer him a scholarship. “The Terps actually started my recruiting. They were my first offer,” Tanyi said. “I was going to prolong recruiting … but I just woke up this morning and just felt like there’s no need to wait no more. And I just wanted to commit, so I committed, and I’m happy with my choice.”

While Tanyi played a number of positions in high school, he projects as a strongside linebacker in Brian Stewart’s 3-4 defensive system. As with all players who move from defensive end to linebacker, he will need to improve his coverage skills before he gets significant playing time at the next level. However, Brian Stewart likes to use his pass-rushers as soon as possible. Last season, Jesse Aniebonam saw a lot of time in Maryland’s third-down defensive package, which is typically a dime set with 3-4 pure pass-rushing linebackers. Tanyi could see time in that package in 2015, or he could redshirt and compete for playing time in 2016.

Hudl Highlights

Defensive Backs (2)

D’Andre Payne (Washington, DC)

Height: 5’9″
Weight: 177 lbs.

Previous College: Tennessee

247Sports Rank (High School): 3-star Cornerback
ESPN Rank (High School): 4-star Cornerback
Rivals Rank (High School): 4-star Cornerback
Scout Rank (High School): 4-star Cornerback

40yd Dash: N/A

Other Offers: None

Most Comparable To: DB William Likely (Junior)

D’Andre Payne is a former 4-star recruit who is coming home to Maryland in 2015. After committing to Tennessee in 2014 as a high school senior, he has elected to return home and play for the Terrapins. He graduated from Woodson High School in 2014, but attended Friendship Collegiate Academy until 2013. There he was classmates with current Terrapins such as Yannick Ngakoue, Cavon Walker, and Derwin Gray. He did play for the Volunteers last season, so he will have the opportunity to use his ineligible year as his redshirt year before competing for playing time in 2016 as a redshirt sophomore.

Much like fellow Terrapin cornerback William Likely, Payne plays much bigger than his size. Standing just 5-foot-9, his toughness and instincts more than make up for his small frame. Exiting high school, he was ranked as the 22nd-best cornerback in the country. In 2013, he was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Washington, DC. With William Likely moving on after the 2016 season and not much cornerback depth behind him, Payne’s transfer is huge for the Terrapins. There is a very good chance he will be starting in College Park as a redshirt junior in 2017.

Hudl Highlights

Darnell Savage (Bear, DE)

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 175 lbs.

247Sports Rank: 3-star Cornerback
ESPN Rank: 3-star Athlete
Rivals Rank: 3-star Athlete
Scout Rank: 3-star Cornerback

40yd Dash: 4.37 seconds (Hudl), 4.57 seconds (ESPN)

Other Offers: Bucknell, Coastal Carolina, Colgate, Delaware, Fordham, Monmouth, Old Dominion, Rutgers, Syracuse, Temple

Most Comparable To: DB Alvin Hill (Senior)

Maryland’s cornerback position has been very thin for the past few years, and Randy Edsall and his staff have added another one in their class of 2015. Darnell Savage played a number of positions on both sides of the ball in high school, but projects as a cornerback for the Terrapins. Despite suffering a broken leg midway through his junior year, Savage told Testudo Times’ John Langley that Maryland never wavered in their recruitment of him. “Maryland was the school that was there from the beginning. Even through the injury, they never stopped keeping in touch,” Savage said. “I have had a comfort level with the coaches. They made it feel like home.”

Savage has great speed and agility, making him a very good cover cornerback for Brian Stewart’s defense. He is a bit on the small side, especially considering that the Maryland coaches seem to be targeting taller cornerbacks recently. However, all Terrapin fans should realize that size is only a number after watching William Likely over the past few seasons. Savage will likely be given the opportunity to compete for playing time in 2016 after redshirting in 2015.

Hudl Highlights

Special Teamers (1)

Nick Rubinowicz (Delray Beach, FL)

Height: 6’3″
Weight: 210 lbs.

247Sports Rank: 2-star Punter
ESPN Rank: N/A
Rivals Rank: 2-star Kicker
Scout Rank: 2-star Kicker

Other Offers: None

Most Comparable To: P Lee Shrader (Redshirt Freshman)

The last special teamer that Maryland offered a scholarship to was K/P Brad Craddock two years ago. After he won the Lou Groza Award in 2014, I believe most people would agree that it was a good move. Nick Rubinowicz is the next Maryland special teamer to earn a scholarship, but he will likely see most of his playing time at punter. With Nathan Renfro moving on after the 2014 season, the Terrapins need a new punter for the 2015 season. Rubinowicz is an excellent candidate, and could continue the long line of talented punters to come through the Maryland program (Travis Baltz and Adam Podlesh to just name two). He will compete with redshirt freshman Lee Shrader for the starting job, and I’d expect Rubinowicz to win the job.