Maryland landed their third skill player of the cycle this week when Cedar Grove (GA) cornerback Lakhi Roland announced his commitment. But the Terps have also been an active player in the trenches with a long list of targets on both sides of the ball, but it’s been Paramus Catholic (NJ) three-star Juan Minaya whose shown consistent interest in the Terps.
The 6-foot-6, 330-pound tackle first visited Maryland last fall but Saturday’s visit gave him a different perspective as he soaked in the day in the life of a Terp.
“They offered me a few months ago, right after their Rutgers game. I went back, watch practice, hang out with the players, ask them a few questions. I really liked it,” Minaya told IBG. “I got to see the meetings and stuff, that was pretty cool.” The full-day visit also gave a chance to watch position coach Brian Braswell coach his unit up through meetings then practice.
“Coach Braswell is really intense, really big on technique. He really hammered technique, all the little stuff.” And while they played against each other, Minaya’s chance to reconnect with his friend and freshman outside linebacker DJ Samuels gave him a different perspective on the program.
“Just like why he chose Maryland, how the culture is, where he sees the program going. I feel like players are always going to give you the real deal. Give it to you from the player perspective.”
Cornerbacks coach Henry Baker first paved the way for the Terps after tapping into his New Jersey roots to initiate contact, but between Baker and Braswell, Maryland has caught Minaya’s attention enough to bring him back for an official this summer.
Minaya will officially visit Duke beginning June 10, then Maryland beginning June 16 followed by Miami over the final weekend in June.
“It’s a small campus but it’s in the middle of everything, DC and everything, so it’s a really good spot. I just want to see if I really fit in there, see how I am with the guys and the coaches.”
Minaya is rated a three-star prospect and an 85 overall by On3, sitting as the 32nd-best prospect out of New Jersey.
