Maryland is up to 12 commitments in the 2024 class as they look to stay hot heading into July. Who are the targets closest to a decision and where does Maryland stand? We break down the five biggest names to know.
Spalding (MD) three-star LB Keyshawn Flowers
After drawing interest from the blue bloods through the spring, the lean yet explosive Spalding linebacker began focusing his attention on Miami, Notre Dame and Maryland heading into June with the buzz pointing to the ‘Canes as the team to beat. Miami was first up with an official visit and went full steam ahead in order to pull off a commitment during his time down in Coral Gables, but as planned, Flowers followed through on his remaining officials to South Bend then College Park. Maryland has been in the mix thanks to the consistency of inside linebacker coach Lance Thompson and the Terps had factors working in their favor to prove to be the best fit, and Maryland emerged as the team to beat coming out of the final June visit weekend. A decision isn’t far off as the staff hopes to pair him with Justin Okoronkwo and Keyari James this cycle. Flowers sits as ‘hot’ on the big board.
St. Vincent Pallotti (MD) three-star OT Ryan Howerton
West Virginia, Maryland and Pitt are battling for ‘Mountain’ Howerton with the Terps and Panthers ahead. Howerton originally drew interest from Maryland with former assistant Elijah Brooks in pursuit while offensive line coach Brian Braswell and tight ends coach Kevin Sumlin have picked up efforts to keep the hometown team heavily in the mix. Maryland also has dad in their corner as they battle down the stretch, but the Panthers have given Howerton a lot to think about coming out of the weekend with assistant Dave Borbely, Maryland’s former OL coach, in pursuit. Tight race heading down the stretch with a potential mid-July decision on the table. Howerton sits as ‘warm’ on the big board.
Flowers (MD) three-star CB Lloyd Irvin
Maryland, West Virginia and Wisconsin are the finalists for Irvin with Boston College now out of the race. The Badgers have picked up recruiting efforts in the DMV under first year head coach Luke Fickell and hosted him first for an unofficial visit in the spring, then again for an official visit earlier this month. Irvin has sat high on the Terps’ recruiting board through the cycle as Maryland was shaping up to be Wisconsin’s biggest challenger, and the main reason for the Terps being well-positioned is from the consistency from cornerbacks coach Henry Baker. Sending a pair of cornerbacks to the league in April has validated Irvin’s development plan, a message that was emphasized yet again as the Terps knocked his visit out of the park this past weekend. Irvin wrapped up his official visit to Maryland on Sunday afternoon and will announce his commitment this upcoming Saturday.
Evans (FL) four-star SAF Brandon Jacob
Maryland has battled Alabama, Texas A&M, Ohio State and UCF with the Knights proving to be the biggest contender down the stretch, but the Terps have made themselves most familiar in Jacob’s recruitment and proved to be the last school to host him for a visit after his visit to Miami (FL) over the weekend was canceled. Maryland has made themselves the team to beat in Jacob’s recruitment due to the relationship with outside linebacker coach James Thomas, attracting Jacob to campus for four unofficial visits within the last year before his June 16 official visit. An exact timeframe hasn’t been finalized, but the Terps could be in line for an elite addition to its backline. Jacob sits as ‘hot’ on the big board.
King George (VA) three-star WR Mekhai White
Maryland is in the midst of a battle with Virginia Tech for the 6-foot-3 wideout out of King George. Maryland had to navigate through the high ceiling prospect keeping a close eye on blue blood interest, specifically Michigan, but came down to a regional battle with the Terps battling Virginia Tech. Maryland was able to set the bar high by rolling out the red carpet for White, his family and mentors, impressing with a barrage of off-field plans as wide receiver coach Gunter Brewer was able to turn the tape on with White to delve into his fit on the field. After canceling Arkansas and flirting with a Penn State official the weekend of June 16, White opted to return to Maryland with his brother for Stefon Diggs’ camp. Maryland has the support of White’s family heading into decision mode, but the Hokies have made themselves a stiff competitor coming out of the weekend. The hometown appeal looms large with Virginia Tech, but with the Hokies nearing position to land Keylen Adams and Chanz Wiggins, White’s spot in Blacksburg may not still be there. White has flirted with a few commitment dates, but a decision is expected this month as Maryland works to seal the deal heading down the stretch. White sits as ‘warm’ on the big board.
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