Avalon (MD) three-star linebacker Caleb Wheatland was among the Terps’ verbal commits basking in the Terps’ home opener with mother and grandma last weekend and was thrilled to see the defense force three turnovers in a fun atmosphere.
“It was great. Finally got to see how the atmosphere was and I loved it,” Wheatland told Inside the Black and Gold. “Before the game, we were up in the lounge just talking to each other. I got to talk to coach Locks before the game and he was just talking to me and a couple other commits and he was telling us how he was excited for us to come and start to work.” Wheatland took notice of the Terps’ four forced turnovers in the win. “They played good. I know it was a close game but the fact that they were able to come out with the win was great. I was definitely watching the linebackers. They got a bunch of sacks and they played in coverage really well. As a defense, they did a really good job.”
Saturday also gave him a chance to step onto the campus he’ll soon call home, and the same feeling he had when he committed consumed him during Saturday’s visit. “As soon as I walked in, I already knew but even before I saw the fans I knew I wanted to go there.”
Wheatland added he is not currently recruiting anyone to Maryland, but for now, he’s prepared for his own senior season. Avalon fell in their season opener to Bishop McNamara back on August 28 and had their week two game canceled due to COVID, but Wheatland will be back out there on Friday to take on Riverdale Baptist.
“Started off to a rough start. We lost two weeks ago and our game on Thursday got canceled so we just hit the reset button to see if it’ll change how our season is going to go.”
When he puts his senior film together, he knows what he wants the tape to show.
“I just want to show that I can play the game and show how physical I am.”
Wheatland is rated a three-star prospect and an 86 overall by 247Sports, sitting as the 26th-best prospect in Virginia.