Football is over on the field for the Terps. Now it starts in the recruiting wars.
How Does the B1G Ten Move Help Maryland – I think it says “good football”. If you are looking for a local school to DC/Balt that plays big time college football, Maryland is on your radar.
It is open to debate whether the Terps will deliver on the promise of going big in the football business. I, for one, don’t think you make the move if you are not looking to up your football profile. Let’s face it, Maryland and the ACC lacked energy in football for quite a few years.
With the B1G coming into play for the 2014 season, the Terps can count on games with Ohio State, Penn State and more. This is big time football in College Park and recruits are showing interest.
What Happens with Next Years schedule – No changes for the moment. There are rumblings that the ACC will ask Maryland to leave the conference early. If not, then the Terps play a season of lame duck ACC football.
It gets more interesting if the ACC and Maryland part ways before the 2013 season starts. Who would the Terps play? After the 4 already scheduled non-ACC games, Maryland would have to play an Independent schedule made up on the back of a napkin.
Who is Being Recruited –
Here is a list that the Terps have verbal commitments for signing day February 6, 2013. This means that the high school player has told the Terps he is coming to Maryland, and also that Maryland has told the player that the Terps want him.
The current list shows the player name, position, height and weight, how many “stars” and how highly ranked the player is at his position.(the rankings are by Rivals.com)
Committed/Not Yet Signed Name Pos Ht/Wt Stars Rank
Jalen Brooks LB 6-3/215 NR
Jermaine Carter LB 6-0/220 NR
Shane Cockerille QB 6-2/205 15
Milan Collins ATH 6-2/190 70
Elvis Dennah DB 6-4/205 NR
Jajuan Dulaney OL 6-4/275 NR
Derwin Gray OL 6-4/291 13
Derrick Hayward LB 6-5/195 NR
Andrew Isaacs TE 6-3/230 8
Malik Jones DE 6-5/231 NR
DeAndre Lane ATH 5-8/170 NR
Moise Larose OL 6-5/285 NR
Deon Long WR 6-1/205 NR
Demetri McGill DT 6-2/297 NR
Kingsley Opara DT 6-4/275 NR
Jarrett Ross DB 5-11/190 NR
Cavon Walker LB 6-2/210 NR
The other source of new players are those who went the junior college (juco) route. There are several linemen the Terps are checking out in the juco ranks. We will see what develops.
As we get closer to B1G Ten play, you can see that we don’t have that many big bodies on the team. Maryland will need to find some more 300+ lb guys.
For more scoop on the news of the moment, check out Terrapintimes.com
In an upcoming post we will discuss the key positions of offensive line and defensive line as the Terps close out 2012 and look forward to signing day 2013.