Calvert Hall (MD) three-star JT Taggart entered the month of June unsure when his ultimate commitment would materialize, but it took less than two days into his first official visit for the 6-foot-7.5, 229-pound tight end to make his decision. Roughly 12 hours after announcing his pledge during his visit, Taggart announced his commitment to Maryland while wrapping up his official to College Park. “As soon as I got there, it just felt like home. Really easy place to be,” Taggart told IBG. The in-state athlete had been a longtime target for Maryland this cycle as assistant Brian Braswell led the way as the area recruiter, while both lead and position recruiter Kevin Sumlin built on a strong relationship he carried with Taggart’s dad. That relationship carried into Taggart’s official visit as the two spent ample one-on-one time. “I talked to coach Sumlin a lot through the visit. I got to sit in meetings with him and just talk football,” he added. Taggart’s comfortable relationship with head coach Mike Locksley also extended through the weekend. “I just felt a quick bond with coach Locks right away. We just connected the whole time we were together,” he added. With Baltimore native and third-year tight end Preston Howard filling in as Taggart’s host, the priority target’s decision came on Friday night surrounded by the staff, players and other official visitors. “The whole day was great. Then we had a little activity at the end that capped it off with the karaoke, so it was perfect.” Taggart’s visit also gave him a chance to dive into his fit in the offense where his long frame makes him a dynamic weapon at a position that’s become integral to the Terps’ passing attack. “I feel like it's a great picture for me coming into my senior year too. I feel like how they use their tight ends and what they want from me, it’s a perfect fit,” Taggart added. “As of right now, wants me as a receiving threat but we can't make that call official until I get on campus because I have the rest of the year to work on the other things. Taggart entered June with an official visit to Colorado set for the weekend of June 21 while West Virginia was heavily in the mix, but after spending the weekend in College Park, his recruitment is shut down. “ feels great to have a home. I can focus on my senior season now and just playing my game.” JT Taggart is rated a three-star prospect and an 87 overall by On3, checking in as the 26th-best prospect in Maryland. He becomes the eighth commitment in Maryland’s class, joining SAF Julien Horton, IOL Kahlil Stewart, DL Braheem Battles, WR Justin DeVaughn, RB Bud Coombs, LB CJ Smith and CB Jett White. Related Links
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