Union County defensive lineman Markus Strong was a new name added to Maryland’s recruiting board after the 6-foot-4, 278-pound edge rusher picked up an offer from the staff. With safeties coach Wes Neighbors leading and defensive coordinator Brian Williams also in touch, Maryland became the first Power Five school in the mix and joined UCF, USF and Memphis among others.
Strong knew the Terps’ staff was interested through the fall, but wasn’t expecting an offer so quickly. “I was thrown off because it happened so quick. That was my first Power Five offer so I was just excited. I was definitely thrown off, but I was excited,” he told Inside the Black and Gold. “They didn’t tell me a lot but I already knew a little bit. They told me that they wanted me there, they’re fired up about me ever since we got in touch with each other.”
The next step for Strong is a visit, which is on his radar. “We haven’t gotten an exact date yet but we’re going to make it happen. I’m trying to get up for a game. We’re not sure how it’s going to play out, hopefully we can do it but if not, definitely going to have something in the offseason.”
What’s one thing he’s looking to learn more about Maryland?
“I’d probably just the say the community. I want to go to college and build another family up there. It is a business, but I want to have people that I’ll have a brotherhood with and that’s something I look forward to having.”
While UCF, USF, UAB and Memphis are four in frequent contact, it’s Maryland who is reaching out the most.
“I’d say Maryland is top. I talk with coach Wes just about every day. Just about football, how life’s going, anything really. He does a good job checking up on me.”
Strong is not yet rated by On3.
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