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Four-Star OLB Dylan Gooden Commits to Maryland

Writer's picture: Ahmed GhafirAhmed Ghafir

Wilde Lake (MD) four-star outside linebacker Dylan Gooden has committed to Maryland fresh off of his official visit. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound outside linebacker has long been on Maryland's radar and gives the Terps another marquee outside linebacker in the 2023 class. His commitment comes days after Hickory (NC) four-star athlete Rico Walker announced his commitment to Maryland, giving the defense two high ceiling outside linebackers to address arguably the biggest remaining need. Outside linebacker James Thomas led Gooden's recruitment and the Terps became a legitimate player after hosting Gooden in late July for the on-campus barbeque. “It’s picked up, the connection has picked up since the summer with ," Gooden said at the time. “It was with all the commits and stuff so that was nice.” Dylan, the son of former MLB player Dwight Gooden, oozes potential and gives the defense a high-ceiling prospect to address a key need. After lining up as an edge rusher as a junior, Gooden took the next step this past fall as an outside linebacker with an improved motor in pass rush. The long, athletic linebacker has shown the ability to drop back into coverage but possesses great closing speed which helps him find success in the backfield. Gooden was an integral piece of a loaded Good Counsel defense that featured Aaron Chiles, Neeo Avery, Darien Mayo and Judah Jenkins among other. For Maryland, he becomes the first commitment from the WCAC powerhouse since Mason Lunsford signed with the program in the 2019 class. Gooden becomes the 23rd commitment this cycle for Maryland and there could be more on the way after hosting a healthy group of talent in the final weekend ahead of the dead period. He visited for a pair of games this fall, including the regular season finale win over Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights drew an official visit back in June while Virginia Tech and North Carolina were also in the mix, but the Terps held the inside track through the fall. Gooden is rated a four-star prospect and a 90 overall by On3, sitting as the fourth-best prospect in Maryland. Related Links Six players to watch in Duke's Mayo Bowl Another last-minute OV, this time out of the portal (+) Early OV feedback (+) Former Cincy CB Ja’Quan Sheppard breaks down transfer to Maryland (+) Another OV visitor (+)

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