With the offseason now picking up ahead of next month’s bowl game, Maryland head coach Mike Locksley didn’t shy away from addressing where the focus is this offseason.
“I thought our group that we played with this year from the time I got here until the last game here [Saturday], has exponentially improved and really have laid a foundation, but now we’ve got to go build on it because we lose quite a few of those guys. We’re going to be going out Friday in search of some guys that can help us win in November in the Big Ten.”
Thanksgiving week doesn’t normally draw the biggest recruiting weekends, but did give Maryland a chance to host one target that fits that description. One day after Coffeyville safety Bishop Fitzgerald unofficially visited Maryland, Iowa Central offensive tackle Daniel Ogundipe made his way to campus for a full-day visit last Wednesday for a visit that would leave a lasting impression on him.
Regular Season Tape Out Now! https://t.co/MMYd6UlT2l #SledDawgs @coachJClegg pic.twitter.com/DlMa4aLaWQ
— Daniel Ogundipe (@danielogundipe6) November 26, 2022
“It’s probably the best facilities I’ve ever seen. I toured the campus as well,” Ogundipe told Inside the Black and Gold. What stuck out about the trip? “How they treat their players, how the facilities are a resource for the players and give them what they need to be successful. How the program is changing. They didn’t have a brotherhood before but coach Braswell is staying, he isn’t going anywhere for a while so they’re able to build the culture. They want me to be a part of that.”
Offensive line coach Brian Braswell has expanded his search for an offensive tackle as the Terps have uncovered several junior college targets so far this fall, and after Ogundipe and Braswell were largely able to build a relationship over the phone, the one-on-one time on the visit was well spent. “It was pretty good to see him face-to-face, gave me a chance to build a more real relationship with him. We went over film in his offense and we went over a couple of schemes, pass [protection], run game, what they run so that was helpful.”
While Maryland is staying patient, the 6-foot-5, 285-pound lineman has a good idea where he wants to play his college ball. “I think that’s the place that I want to be. A couple of staffers asked what I thought and I told them I could play here at Maryland.”
The former Imhotep (PA) product explains what vaults the Terps to the top.
“Being close to home and playing Power Five football. My family is two hours away and can see me play, so it’s a great spot.” Meanwhile, there’s a viable chance he’s back in town in a few weeks for an official visit. “We’re still shooting for [December] 9th.”
Ogundipe is not yet rated by On3.
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