Maryland fans have kept a close eye on the offensive line heading into this offseason with a need to replenish its starting unit with the high school and transfer market both on the table. After former LSU offensive tackle Marcus Dumervil entered the transfer portal back on December 15, a long list of schools worked to get in the mix as the former four-star fielded new suitors.
“Phone rings left and right, all day every day. There’s going to be pressure from some schools to get there but I just had to think about life after football and make the best decision for me.”
In the end, it would be Maryland who reeled him in after an all-out pursuit over the last week helped fill a key need. After initiating contact shortly after entering the portal, Dumervil opted to cut his official visit to Memphis short last weekend in favor of a one-day official to College Park. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound lineman wasn’t sure what to expect when he arrived on campus but knew he’d have at least one more familiar face with former St. Thomas Aquila’s teammate Riyad Wilmot enrolled with the program. After the 24-hour trip, the rest is history.
“They opened my eyes,” Dumervil told IBG. “A lot of the staff and coaches were texting me, wanting me to come see the facilities. I’ve never really been up there or toured or got a chance to talk with head coach Mike Locksley. Going up there and having that opportunity with them being only 25 minutes from DC and with my major being criminology, it just kind of makes sense for life after football.”
Dumervil added that between Locksley, offensive line coach Brian Braswell and analyst Gary Wortham Jr., there was always in contact with at least one person on the staff. “It was a mixture of everyone but I can definitely say coach Wortham applied a lot of pressure and helped get me up there.”
Location also played a big hand. “Them located only 25 minutes from DC, hopefully I’ll explore some of those internships down the line.”
Miami and Pitt were two schools hoping to prolong Dumervil’s recruitment and he initially planned to announce his commitment on Christmas, but he opted to announce just three days after giving his verbal to head coach Mike Locksley. “He’s excited to get me up there and get ready to work. I just need an opportunity.”
Dumervil has three years left to play two.Related Links Kevin Willard explains lineup change, team’s defense in 30-point win vs. Saint Peter’s Maryland lands former LSU OT Marcus Dumervil Thursday update on Harris twins (+) Inside the Bag: NSD Recap Tennessee DL Jordan Phillips commits to Maryland Mike Locksley reviews 2023 class, remaining needs, position changes