Recruiting

JuCo lineman impressed by facilities, Braswell during official visit

Maryland has been active looking for available offensive linemen heading into the 2023 season, leading them to Coffeyville offensive tackle Kevin Kalonji.

The 6-foot-6, 330-pound lineman wrapped up his official visit on Friday afternoon as the former Avalon product got a good look at the ins and outs of the program. “Everything was great. I got to meet the coaching staff, they were greet. Everything was literally perfect because last time I was there was 2019 and everything is brand new now. It was really different than last time. The environment was very family-based,” Kalonji told IBG.

The highlight for Kalonji was the one-on-one time with potentially his future position coach. “I was with coach Bras and a couple others on the staff. I talked to coach Locksley for a bit. We talked about what’s their plan for me. It was really productive. [Braswell] is an amazing guy. We built a relationship for a long time now. You can tell he’s a nice guy because he’s going to tell you what he’s thinking, what his plan is. And his NFL experience, sent people to the NFL.”

There’s another angle that appeals about the Terps. “Being closer to home, that’s a big thing especially when you’re in a family environment. Maryland is home. I feel like they’re able to have family close to me so that’s probably the reason why I’m thinking about things.”

But Maryland didn’t press for an immediate decision, Kalonji added, as he takes Friday to decompress after a busy week. “They said to take my time, be patient. I can still take visits but I don’t feel like taking any other visits. They gave me my time, talk to my family.”

Kalonji took his first official visit to Houston beginning on Tuesday. “It was great. Great environment. The coaching staff was great. I didn’t meet the head coach but overall it was great.”

In addition to Cal, Rutgers and Ole Miss, Kalonji added that South Carolina has been in contact and is among the teams working to secure an official visit. “Most schools are trying to tell me to take my time.”

Whether Kalonji does end up taking another visit before the end of the month remains up in the air. “I’ll probably see how I feel when I wake up [Saturday] but I’ll check somewhere out that I have a good relationship with the head coach.”

With three years to play two and eligible to enroll in June, Kalonji isn’t looking to prolong his decision.

“I’m going to try and have everything decided by the end of the month.”

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