Maryland has made Florida a consistent focus under head coach Mike Locksley with already five verbal commits from the Sunshine State in the 2025 cycle. And with the 2026 recruiting cycle beginning to materialize after roughly one month of contact between coaches and prospects, The First Academy (FL) three-star safety Devin Jackson is making the trip north with his dad and cousin for his first visit to Maryland. Jackson, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound safety, included Maryland in his top seven last week alongside Florida, Georgia, LSU, Missouri, Texas A&M and UCF after drawing offers from Wisconsin, Auburn, West Virginia and Arkansas among others. “It’s the relationship with the staff, especially with coach James Thomas,” Jackson told IBG about why the Terps made the cut. Maryland extended an offer back in May as assistant James Thomas has led the way with the early target out of Orlando, but while his familiarity with the program is steadily growing, the three-star is very familiar with a current freshman from his area. “Knowing we had a safety that came out from our area that went to them so I want to give them a shot,” Jackson told IBG. “I want to see around the facilities, the academics and classrooms, then a little bit more of the area.” Jackson was a star in his second and final season at West Orange alongside Michigan pledge Ivan Taylor, recognized as a first-team All-Orange selection after posting 40 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks during his sophomore year. Taylor has since announced his offseason transfer to The First Academy for his junior year. Devin Jackson is rated a three-star prospect and 88 overall by On3, checking in as the nation’s 25th-best safety in the 2026 class. Related Links Jon Rothstein shares observations from Maryland basketball’s practiceThree former Maryland stars selected in 2024 UFL College DraftIn-state ’26 OL Greg Maddox set to visit Maryland after dead periodKevin Willard on the state of college basketball, chemistry between Queen & Reese, 2024-25 roster expectationsESPN tabs Maryland football as “just looking for a path to 6-6” in Big Ten preview
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