Recruiting

Florida Lineman Eyeing Pair of Visits to Maryland

Union County (FL) enters the plays with a 6-2 mark as defensive lineman Markus Strong has prove himself as one of the team’s primary playmakers. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound lineman has watched a steady uptick in his recruitment as Houston, Oklahoma and West Virginia have jumped into the mix in recent weeks. Strong has embraced the increased attention as of late with several schools in strong pursuit.

“There’s more opportunities to play at the next level so I can’t really complain about that,” he told Inside the Black and Gold. “They all want me to come but they haven’t been pressing commitment heavy, just get me down to a game or visit.”

Maryland, UCF, USF and Georgia Tech are four pressing the hardest thus far in Strong’s recruitment and he’s planning to see two of his suitors this month. “I’m going to Georgia Tech next week and I should be coming up to Maryland the week after. Official visit wise, I have UCF set up, Maryland, USF and that’s really about it. I’m trying to get more.” Strong added all three officials will come in December with December 9 looking like his return visit in College Park, and it’s no surprise that he’ll make two visits.

With a pair of defensive linemen committed so far, arguably Maryland’s biggest need this cycle sits in the trenches and Strong is a target who’s elevated himself on the recruiting board thanks to his stellar midseason tape. Safeties coach Wes Neighbors is in contact but defensive coordinator Brian Williams is leading the charge as the staff was back down in Florida to close out the bye week.

“I got to talk to coach [Brian] Williams, he came through. He’s talked to me about how things have went, how he thinks I’d fit. He went over a couple of plays and practices that he thinks I’d fit best at so it’s going good.”

What are Strong’s primary factors that will separate his finalists?

“How they operate, the fanbase, where I think I’d fit at position-wise.”

Strong added he plans to announce his commitment and sign in December. He is not yet rated by On3.

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