Maryland football will look for more good news when one of its top targets commits later this month, with Evans (FL) four-star Brandon Jacob set to announce his commitment on July 20.
Jacob, a 6-foot-1, 171-pound safety, released a graphic including Ohio State, UCF, Texas A&M and Alabama while he took official visits to UCF and Texas A&M before making yet another visit to Maryland the weekend of June 16. Jacob was also initially set to officially visit Miami (FL) the weekend of June 23 but canceled his visit.
Jacob told IBG his decision is “mainly between Maryland, UCF and Texas A&M” with the Terps looking to maintain momentum.
”Really the big difference I could say was the relationship with the players, being around the players and seeing how they are on and off the field,” Jacob told IBG.
Maryland has been a familiar spot in Jacob’s recruitment with outside linebacker coach James Thomas leading the way throughout. Safeties coach Zac Spavital has also been able to build his relationship with the top target. “I’ve been talking to him since he’s been there and we have a great relationship.”
Jacob took in Maryland’s win over Rutgers last year before returning three times this spring, including the spring game, prior to his June official visit. Wide receiver Jeshaun Jones hosted him on his official visit as the Florida duo have had the chance to connect during Jacob’s previous visits to campus.
”Just hanging out with the players. Just basically I’ve been up there for unofficials, get to see a couple things. On the official I got to just hang out the players, see how they are off the field and see what life is like other than football.”
Multiple sources have said that UCF was the biggest competition for Jacob and brought he and his teammates to campus in late June for an official visit. The Aggies jumped into the mix, but are on the outside looking in. “I haven’t ever been there before so I couldn’t get a really cool feel for it,” Jacob added.
Maryland has reloaded its cornerback room this cycle with Lloyd Irvin, Lakhi Roland and Larry Tarver in the fold but Jacob would mark Maryland’s first safety commitment if the Terps do win out. Maryland is also involved with Ezaiah Shine, another Florida safety who officially visited the weekend of June 23.
Jacob shined as a junior, posting 69 tackles, ten pass breakups and five interceptions in ten games. Jacob also posted a 22.27 in the 200 meter this spring while qualifying for regionals in both the 200 and 400-meter dashes as a sophomore.
Jacob is rated a four-star prospect and a 92 overall by On3, sitting as the 22nd-best prospect in Florida.
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