Maryland began hosting unofficial visits on Tuesday, June 1 but will welcome their first wave of official visitors beginning today for both football and basketball. We delve into each visitor this month on their views on the Terps, a quote from each coach on their game, and where Maryland stands in his recruitment.
June 4
Basketball
La Lumiere PG JJ Starling
Schools involved: Maryland, Stanford, Syracuse
Where Maryland stands: the Terps stayed in the mix even after the departure of assistant Bino Ranson. Head coach Mark Turgeon picked up the pace in his recruitment as point guard remains a focus, even with 2022 point guard Paul Lewis in the fold.
Quote: “Even though coach Bino [Ranson] left, I’m still interested in the program and want to see it in-person for myself. Just to look at the fit and campus.”
Coach quote: “He’s a guy we always need him to have a good game for us to have a chance. We rely on him a lot. He doesn’t get subbed out very often, only if we’re in foul trouble, or if he needs a quick breather. His minute average is probably 31-½ out of 32 minutes.” La Lumiere HC Patrick Holmes
Archbishop Spalding SF Cam Whitmore
Schools involved: Maryland, UNC, Florida, Illinois, Wake Forest, Penn State
Where Maryland stands: A local source told me last week he felt the Terps had the inside track with the four-star even with the departure of Ranson. Expect Shingler to quickly acclimate himself with Whitmore once his hire becomes official, but head coach Mark Turgeon and assistant Matt Brady have picked up the pace here.
Quote: “I think it’s a good fit. They get up and down the court which is what I do, so I feel like it’s a good school.”
Coach quote: “His athleticism stands apart. In 25 years of coaching he’s one of the most athletic players I’ve ever had. He’s always under control. Maybe one of my guys is going in the lane and misses a layup and all of a sudden here he comes to follow it up. His athleticism just gets better and better and I think his perimeter shooting has gotten better. He’s trusting his 3-point shot more and when he hits shots like that, it just helps everybody else in opening up the floor.” – Archbishop Spalding HC Josh Pratt via Baltimore Sun
Football
Fairfield Prep S Ja’Kobi Albert
Schools involved: Auburn, Vanderbilt, Michigan
Where Maryland stands: Co-defensive coordinator Brian Williams leveraged his extensive recruiting ties to uncover Albert early in the process. That’s held weight as the Terps as in the mix here. Auburn has the inside track if the Tigers continue to push, but big visit for the Terps with safety a focus on the defensive side this cycle.
Quote: “For one, coach Williams was the first person to offer me. That’s really big, that’s the one that got me started and he’s really genuine when he talks to me. And not only that, that’s where I was born and I haven’t been back since I was 3 so just to go back up and see how everything has changed, it’ll be pretty big for me.”
Coach quote: “Ja’Kobi was a primary offensive guy when he came to me, when he came to Fairfield. I told him we’re a program where our best guys have to play both ways and the first time I saw him play corner, I felt like he was just natural at it. With that being said, like I told him, I said sometimes you can want something so bad that you can get in your own way. I told him to embrace the fact that playing safety or corner at the next level will make him a lot of money one day.” -Fairfield Prep HC Keon Handley
Montgomery Bell OT Grayson Morgan
Schools involved: Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, Maryland, Kentucky, Louisville, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, Auburn, Florida
Where Maryland stands: Increased confidence coming out of College Park as June will give Morgan a chance to cut his list to roughly five schools. Terps have established a great relationship with him through the spring to secure the official as I see Mississippi State and Vanderbilt remaining prime contenders in his recruitment.
Quote: “We talk a good bit. I’m sure they’re saving everything for the official coming up. Mainly I’ve been talking with coach [Mike] Locksley, just mainly him. We haven’t really talked that much about football, just about life, what’s going on that day, just catching up every week about once or every other week and just seeing where each other are in life and just what’s going on.”
Coach quote: “He was our five-man slash center for basketball that had a great finish and won the state championship in our league in Tennessee. He was certainly a key part of that, as a basketball player. He was more of a rebounder, defender, banger but he played really well at the end of the year. His ability to run the floor for a guy that size and catch it, finish at the rim, he made some really big plays for us. He guarded a 7-foot kid in the semifinals…he’s a tough, hard-nosed dude. It’s hard for me to imagine he won’t be a really productive player for someone at the next level. We were able at times to switch one through five if we wanted to because of [Grayson’s] ability to sort of hold his own when he got on smaller people. We tend to double and blitz ball screens a lot with him and because he generally can get out and do it and get out in space and help corral the ball and not get blown by, it speaks to his ability to move. Not just straight-line speed but just laterally, keep the ball in front of him. It’s rare to have guys that can do that with his size.” -Montgomery Bell basketball HC Kevin Anglin
Article: OT Grayson Morgan Set for Busy June
Milton C Gilles Tchio
Schools involved: Maryland, Kansas State, Buffalo, East Carolina, Virginia Tech
Where Maryland stands: Tchio will make the trip with teammate Maurice “Mo” Clipper this weekend. Virginia Tech is up next with quarterback Devin Farrell, a Hokie verbal, as they remain a prime contender. Don’t get the sense that an interior lineman is a focus, but Tchio was also uncovered back in February as the Terps have remained in communication.
Quote about OL coach Braswell: “Personality-wise, he reminds me a lot of my current high school coach just making a lot of jokes and stuff like that.” Tchio took in a virtual visit with Maryland last month as he got a chance to learn more about the program and with that perception already in mind, the 6-foot-4, 280-pound lineman now wants to see the campus for himself.”
Coach quote: “He’s a good interior guy. One of the things that will make him really good at center is he is so strong that like, as a center, you don’t have the separation off the ball that a guard or a tackle has so you’ve got to have some suddenness to move some people and he’s got it. He’s one of the strongest kids I’ve ever been around. He’s 280 now as a junior, going to be senior, but he’s got the frame where he’s going to carry. At 280 pounds, there really isn’t any fat on him. He’s big, solid so once he ends up at a Power Five, he’ll be able to start putting more weight on and get real big and play guard if that’s where they want him at.” -Milton OL coach Rob Williams
Milton OT Maurice “Mo” Clipper
Schools involved: Alabama, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia Tech
Where Maryland stands: Offensive tackle is the undoubted priority this cycle and Clipper would help fill a key need for the Terps. Originally from Maryland, Milton has visited Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Mississippi State before trekking to College Park. Alabama also extended an offer in late April while Louisville remains a factor in his recruitment. This weekend will give the Terps an opportunity to move up his leaderboard with a list of schools charging for the 6-foot-6, 295-pound tackle.
Quote on Maryland: “It was definitely cool getting this offer, I’d say. Just growing up in Maryland it was something you thought about, so that part was definitely cool…They talk to me about the business program, about coach Locksley, his background and stuff.”
Coach Quote: “Last year was his first year of being a full-time starter at tackle and you could see just the growth over the season. Really smart kid, physically gifted, obviously he’s a big kid, and this offseason he’s really thickened up. You get a chance to meet him and you see he has a big frame, he carries weight really well but he’s a big athletic dude. He was really a basketball player coming up and then didn’t play basketball this last year, kind of focused on football stuff but he’s really, really smart. He has a really high football IQ, he understands the game, he understands what we’re trying to do to make a lot of good decisions. And on top of that, you get a big, athletic kid and he’s a really hard worker, he’s a phenomenal leader like when you meet him, he’s just a genuinely really good person and kind of brings everyone along with him. With that attitude and work ethic, he’s really able to get better every day.” - Milton OL coach Rob Williams
June 11
New Mexico Military Institute OT Tyrone Webber
Schools involved: Maryland, WVU, Houston, Oklahoma State
Where Maryland stands: Maryland held an edge heading into June in Webber’s recruitment as the Terps and Cougars have remained steady. Webber planned to make a commitment shortly after his official visits but Oklahoma State and West Virginia could also receive official visits. Webber is also remaining cautious about official visit plans with travel warnings still in effect between U.S. and Canada.
Quote: “We’ve just been talking about ways I can get better and just trying to strengthen our relationship. I think he’s a wonderful coach and a very genuine guy also. He’s definitely a coach that I want to play for.”
Coach quote: “Tyrone is a pretty athletic kid. His film will speak for itself and a lot of schools have reached out, get more information, see his GPA. I can tell you he’s a great kid, he’s been a huge help for us on the field and in the classroom. No character issues with him either, just a really hard worker.” -defensive line coach Kurt Taufa’asau
Hillgrove S Emory Floyd
Schools involved: Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Alabama, South Carolina
Where Maryland stands: Terps have fought to stay in the mix for the Georgia standout as the in-state Bulldogs and Auburn have the inside track in his recruitment. Maryland has used tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo to their advantage to help back the Terps’ pitch to Floyd. Terps have work to do but have built a strong relationship with him led by ILB coach Brawley Evans.
Quote: “[Brawley is] real cool, he’s a real cool guy. We chop it up about everything. I had some teammates that went to my school and went there so that’s a big part of it too.”
Coach quote: “I’d say he’s on the tall end of 6-2, probably closer to 6-3, extremely long. I moved him to corner because I think that’s where a lot of Power Fives are projecting him. He played safety as a junior but when you look at his skillset, how he runs and just his length and overall size, at corner in today’s football presents a ton of problems for offenses being able to play in coverage and beyond the perimeter with that length.” -Hillgrove HC Justin DeShon
St Frances OT Andre Roye
Schools involved: Maryland, Penn State, NC State, Rutgers
Quote: “I talked to coach Braswell [Thursday night]. Things are going well, he’s a cool guy.”
Where Maryland stands: Terps have worked to do on the in-state tackle as it remains possible that Roye makes it to campus ahead of his June official. I fully expect junior tackle Jaelyn Duncan to host him as the Terps pitch the idea of filling the former SFA Panther’s shoes. Don’t get a sense that he’s favoring one particular school but NC State is a formidable contender with former Terps assistant Joker Phillips leading the charge.
Coach quote: “He’s been the guy for us. You remember how big he was as a sophomore but he has the traits to be an NFL tackle. Does everything you ask, good head on his shoulders, smart kid. Exactly the type of kid you want in your program.” -SFA DB coach Justin Winters
June 18
St Frances OT Jude Bowry
Schools involved: Maryland, Boston College, Old Dominion
Where Maryland stands: Terps have an edge over Boston College heading into visits as Maryland will get a chance to see him in-person through the month. Would not be shocked if Bowry makes a decision in late June or early July. Bowry converted from defensive to offensive line for St. Frances.
Quote: “We’ve got a good relationship. Just building the relationship but I don’t know where I’m going yet. They all want me to commit soon but Maryland has really been pushing me to commit there. I guess we will wait and see.”
Coach quote: “He just moved over to the offensive side of the ball this spring but his size and strength, he just moves so effortless. Give him time, he’ll learn the position and technique but he can be a multi-year starter at the next level.” - SFA DB coach Justin Winters
Tampa Bay Tech WR Greg Gaines
Schools involved: Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas State, Maryland
Where Maryland stands: Terps have done well to make up ground within the last three weeks to secure the upcoming official. I like Iowa State heading into officials as Gaines will bask in the Cyclones this weekend for his first official. Two strong Zooms made it possible and the staff’s connections around Gaines have made this possible and the Terps have a chance to dethrone Iowa State with his third official.
Quote on Maryland: “That’s the crazy thing about it. Coach Brawley [Evans], coach Zohn [Burden], coach [Mike] Locksley, they’re like family to my 7-on-7 organization and one of my coaches at my school, he’s actually really close to coach Brawley so I’m talking to them on a daily basis and that’s a big reason why I set an official visit with them. Then when we did our Zoom, they showed me the same thing that Iowa State and others have shown so that was a big role.”
Coach quote: “He’s been nothing short of an AP guy since he got to Tech. He always made sure he maintained high academics and on the field, he’s been phenomenal. He’s a lead-by-example type of guy, a guy that never workouts, never misses practice, goes hard every single day. He’s always pushing his teammates to raise the bar especially in the playoffs, he really stood out and in our biggest games, he had his biggest games. His best attribute is his body control and tracking the football. it doesn’t matter if he’s wide open or someone draped all over him, he always seems to adjust to the football in-flight. To be able to go up and come down with the contested catches.” - Tampa Bay HC Jayson Roberts
Jesuit OT Matt Craycraft
Schools involved: Duke, Maryland, SMU
Where Maryland stands: Keeping an eye on Duke in this one but the Terps did well with Craycraft through the spring thanks to a strong Zoom meeting with him and his family. Craycraft even admitted so during our most recent update with him and with offensive tackle a priority, Terps can pitch early playing times coupled with their strong academics.
Quote on his virtual visit to Maryland: “Coach Locksley was on there the whole time, he talked to my whole family. My whole family was on there and they did a great job of showing their facilities and what the plan for the program is and letting me know what their philosophy is and showing off their facilities. I was very impressed, my family was very impressed and I think we booked a visit right after it basically.”
Cherokee Trail OT Travis Gray
Schools involved: Arizona, Missouri, Maryland, Arizona State
Where Maryland stands: A once two-team race now has a third contender as Gray visited Missouri on Thursday. Arizona State also offered back in mid-May but have yet to hear of plans to visit. Gray will head to Arizona next weekend (6/11) followed by Maryland as his unofficials to both schools this spring was cut short. Though he got a glimpse into College Park, an extended trip will give the longtime tackle target a chance to see what the Terps have to offer. Arizona holds an edge though the Terps have done well to narrow things.
Quote: “I’m just looking forward to meeting coach Braswell. He’s been a huge part in my recruitment at Maryland and he’s teaching me all the stuff, teaching me the stuff I need to work on so when I get there, I don’t have to do it all over again. I think coach Braswell is a big part of my recruitment, still have yet to talk to coach Locksley but I think it’s coming up this week when I give coach Braswell a call.”
Coach quote: “He is a fantastic young man! He has grown & matured so much these last 2 years. His football skills have greatly improved and has developed a tremendous work ethic. His qualities as a leader have impressed me the most. Having the attention he does from schools all over the country, he has still maintained a program & community mindset with his teammates. He comes from a dynamite family with tons of support. His dad played at Colorado & his mom is just the absolute sweetest & best. He has a ton of support there as well. But what has really set Travis apart these last 2 years has been his work in the classroom. He completed his fall semester with a 4.0 GPA and is about to do the same this spring semester.” Cherokee Trail OC Justin Jajczyk
Anniston S Antonio Kite
Schools involved: Alabama, Auburn, FSU, Maryland, South Carolina
Where Maryland stands: Kite took in Alabama on June 1 as the Crimson Tide are now perceived as a viable landing spot. Florida State is another to watch for Kite though the Alabama product has a longstanding relationship with co-defensive coordinator Brian Williams. Not optimistic about Maryland’s chances though the Terps have early playing time to sell.
Quote: “Everything has been good, keeping up with each other through spring ball.” Head coach Mike Locksley has also made it an emphasis to tell Kite he’s a need in College Park. He’s told me he really wants me. He always tells me I fits the program well. I can be a big factor on the defense.”
Coach Quote: “You hear the term all the time, quarterback of the defense. His IQ is unreal and the thing is he’s that free safety and he’s also the point guard so he sees everything before it develops. He can see it with the interceptions in his film, he’s breaking on the ball before the ball is even out of the quarterback’s hand. His IQ is unreal, the biggest thing about him is his physicality with football. He’s not afraid to come down and hit, he enjoys hitting.” -Anniston HC Rico White
DeMatha S Kevin “KJ” Winston
Schools involved: Maryland, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Penn State, Oklahoma
Where Maryland stands: I like Notre Dame ahead of Penn State and Maryland heading into officials though Winston made his way back on campus this week. Maryland has Winston in the mix of their top group of safeties as once again, the position is a focus this cycle but an extended timeline into the fall for his fifth official remains on the table.
Quote: “Talking to coach [Brian] Stewart all the time, I feel like in that defense they tell me all the time that I can come in. Nick Cross, he’s going to be leaving soon so I feel as though on the field I’ll get on the field early and I can do really well there.”
Coach quote: “He’s a natural back there. Great instincts, quick, change of direction. He’s been a big playmaker for us and he can do it on both sides of the ball, but he has the makings to be a great safety at the next level.” DeMatha co-DC/DL coach Tank
Manchester RB Ramon Brown
Schools involved: VT, PSU, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland
Where Maryland stands: I don’t see the Hokies as a viable landing spot the longer Brown’s recruitment goes, but keep an eye on Penn State. Brown is likely third in the pecking order for running backs and four-star Kaytron Allen will visit Happy Valley this weekend. They’re also in the mix for four-stars Omarion Hampton and Nicholas Singleton. South Carolina is a school Brown is also high on, but relationships matter in recruiting and Maryland undoubtedly has the bonds to remain a top three school in Brown’s recruitment. Running back isn’t a need, but the right one could get the green light and Brown fits that bill.
Quote: “We had a lot of conversations plenty of time, probably my eighth grade we were at the USA Camp and he was just breaking down stuff and when he was at DeMatha, telling me stuff I can work on and how I can perfect my game. Things like that, the small things. Just the little pieces of the game.” Head coach Mike Locksley has made it known that Brown is wanted in College Park and chipped in on the recruiting efforts. “We text a couple times, ask me how I’m feeling or what’s going on. Or when the season coming up, he’d ask me the simple stuff like how the season is going, how I’m assimilating to the game and then he’d just congratulate me or give me good luck before the game.”
Coach quote: “Had the opportunity to watch him 1st hand become a leader for us here at Manchester. Everyone sees how great of a player he is on the field but his coaches and teammates really get to see his leadership abilities in the locker room. He’s also a great student as well. He’s the complete student-athlete!” - Manchester DL coach Dennis Jones
Dacula ILB Kyle Efford
Schools involved: Maryland, Purdue, Georgia Tech
Where Maryland stands: Maryland offered on May 12 and just twelve days later, the Georgia product locked in his official to College Park. Linebacker isn’t a dire need but Efford would help bolster a young yet explosive inside linebacker room. I look ahead to his official visit before truly gauging Maryland’s chances with him.
Quote: “It’s a school I’m very interested in. As a kid, I was a big fan of the uniforms. [Coach Mike Locksley] FaceTimed a couple of days ago for about ten minutes. I really liked him, I will be getting back on the phone with him with my family again.”
Teammate quote: “It’s that way with Kyle every week. He’s definitely a load, and then add what he does for defense, also. He has played both ways and been a big time contributor both ways. We’re glad Kyle’s on our team.” QB Blaine Jenkins on Efford’s four TD performance against Habersham Central HS
June 25
Monroe WR Shaleak Knotts
Schools involved: Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia
Where Maryland stands: the top-100 prospect will be on campus on Friday for an unofficial and will head to Georgia for his official the weekend of June 11. Knotts is the one that I haven’t talked about enough, but Maryland has consistently stayed in touch with Knotts since the spring and is the number one receiver target. In-state Tar Heels are patiently awaiting how Knotts’ recruitment shakes out before they finalize their official visit, but Terps have done just about everything and done it well leading up to this point. Both Knotts and his coach have told Inside the Black & Gold his fit in the offense and how Maryland throws the ball sticks out.
Quote: “I learned a little bit [in the virtual visit] but not that much because that’s why I’m taking the official visit. I liked what I saw already.”
Coach quote: “With some changes on the staff and doing what they’re doing, I think they’re doing a good job. A lot of people assume they’re going to be there but Maryland in the last month has probably done more than anybody else. They’re on the phone constantly, video chatting, they’re doing what they’re supposed to do. Everything they should be doing, they’re doing it.” -Monroe HC Johnny Sowell
Liberty DT Sir Mells
Schools involved: Maryland, Oregon, Michigan
Where Maryland stands: Growing optimism heading into the late June official but time for both Oregon and Michigan to leave their impression. It sounds like the Ducks have Mells’ full attention as well but another effective Zoom helped secure the visit. Having longsnapper Tristain Tucay, Mell’s teammate, on campus also helps the Terps.
Quote: “We have a very strong relationship. We talk nearly every week. Nothing but positive vibes.”
Coach quote: “Sir has grown, matured. He’s gotten a lot stonger, more athletic. I think he’d gotten more offers if we had a season last year but he’s a big body, tough to handle single-block wise and should be a force for us this year. He’s an athletic kid for a kid who is 300-pounds. He’s good at basketball, he’s explosive, got a great desire to be better and his work ethic is great in the weight room. He loves football, I think those are things that are hard to measure that coaches look for. Coaches look for that and he’s that guy. He’s got a great personality.” -Liberty HC Rich Muraco
Article: Nevada Standout High on Terps
*Note: Long snapper Tristan Tucay, teammate and close friend of Mells, is also officially visiting the weekend of June 25 but does not hold an offer and is a fringe candidate.
June 28
Blue Valley SF Aidan Shaw
Schools involved: Maryland, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Missouri
Where Maryland stands: The first Danny Manning offer materialized into an official visit just one month later. Shaw admittedly didn’t know much about Manning’s history, but expect that to be a focus on how Shaw can develop in College Park. It’ll be a big visit as head coach Mark Turgeon looks to outlast Bill Self’s recruiting efforts.
Quote: “I plan on asking about his experience and coaching and all that when we talk next. He said he really liked the way I play and thinks I can fit in the program. I stick out to him and that’s why he was recruiting and obviously, why they offered. They trust me to be a part of the program and fill a spot for them.”
Brewster Academy PG Dasonte Bowen
Where Maryland stands: Long-time point guard target finalized his official visit this week as the Terps look to add another primary ball-handler to the roster. Iowa has buzz in his recruitment as the Hawkeyes will receive an official. Bowen will also officially visit Northwestern. We’ll see if the Terps can pick up where Bino left off.
Schools involved: Iowa, Maryland, Rutgers, Miami, USC, Northwestern
Quote: “Maryland was more recent but they definitely haven’t missed a beat. I talk to them almost daily and I’ve gotten to get on zoom with coach [Mark] Turgeon and coach Bino [Ranson] once. They want me to come in and be a lead guard as they’ve had much success with in the past. Playing for coach Turgeon could definitely help my game the way he’s developed his guards and the coaching experience he carries.” via Zagsblog