Florida DL Donta Simpson breaks down commitment to Maryland

Head coach Mike Locksley and Maryland football have picked up their 12th public commitment in the 2025 class as Chaminade-Madonna (FL) defensive lineman Donta Simpson went public with his decision. Simpson, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound lineman, committed to Maryland over FAU before canceling his planned official visit to West Virginia the weekend of June 21. Simpson gave his pledge to the staff roughly on the second night of his official visit in what proved to be a productive weekend for the Terps. "I already told coach and them I'm coming. We went to dinner on the boat that night and we sang karaoke and I told everyone then," Simpson told IBG after his official visit. "It felt like family, family vibes up there." Florida natives Jordan Phillips and Deandre Duffus filled in as Simpson's player hosts on the visits as the weekend gave Duffus and Simpson a chance to gauge whether they'd become high school turned college teammates. Defensive coordinator Brian Williams led the way with the interior line target through his junior season into the spring, while Simpson made his way to campus for the spring game before his extended June visit. "I feel like the coaches, the school can develop me the best not just as a man but as a football player. I just feel like Maryland is the best possible spot for me to make it to the NFL," Simpson said. "Brian Williams and coach Locks, they're great guys to be around. They made me feel welcomed and I feel like it just felt like family with them and I've been knowing them." As a junior, Simpson posted 43 tackles, 19.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbled, two fumble recoveries and one interception. Donta Simpson is not yet rated by On3 but checks in as a three-star prospect and an 86 overall by 247Sports. Related Links Pair of former Terps inducted into BCL Hall of FameAlso on campus…Out-of-state target committing this weekend (+)Maryland football becomes first to receive mental health training after recent state billMaryland football OV primer + visits elsewhere to know: June 21