Recruiting

ACC verbal checks out Maryland, eyeing return visit

Maryland saw a handful of 2024 targets make their way to campus this weekend with commitment season still in full swing as they work the close with several decisions looming. But Saturday also gave one local prospect a chance at his first unofficial visit to Maryland with a chance to connect with the staff beyond football.

St. Michael’s (VA) three-star linebacker Michael Matthews-Canty had been to Maryland in the past, but Saturday was his first time getting a tour of the facilities and getting a closer look at the program while bonding with the coaches. Maryland offered Matthews-Canty, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker, in the spring as inside linebacker coach Lance Thompson has led Maryland’s interest since. Saturday gave the two a chance to connect further with Matthews-Canty’s brother and coach alongside him. Matthews-Canty is also familiar with Maryland having teamed up with Powell-Wonson for Level 82 under Torrey Smith as the two reconnected.

“It was pretty relaxed, just a chance to bond with the coaches and the other recruits. I talked to Jahmari Powell and Mekhai White was up there too,” he told IBG. “Me and coach Lance [Thompson] talked a lot. That was good.”

Both sides are staying patient with Maryland’s pursuit potentially dragging into the fall, while Matthews-Canty is in no rush to make a final decision. The local athlete, who’s drawn interest at both safety and linebacker, announced his commitment to Syracuse back in late June with the Orange still consistent heading into the fall. But Matthews-Canty is keeping Maryland in play and expects to be back on campus for at least one home game this fall.

“Honestly, right now it’s more about the relationships. He tried to build more of the relationship bond, get to know me more. I still want to see what they have to offer. I’ll probably come back for a game. I don’t know about an official yet.”

Matthews-Canty added that Maryland is the primary school still in contact since announcing his pledge

Matthews-Canty is rated a three-star prospect and an 88 overall by On3, sitting as the 17th-best prospect in Virginia.

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