Jones Athlete Talks Possible Position Change, Outside Interest

Jones (FL) three-star tight end Dylan Wade took to social media last week stating his intent to play on the defensive side of the ball at Maryland. But the 6-foot-4, 240-pound converted quarterback remains a tight end on Maryland’s board as he explains the change of heart. “I just think that’s where I could see the best development at the next level,” Wade told Inside the Black and Gold. Wade is still playing tight end as a senior, but is working at defensive end on the other side of the ball where he’s been encouraged with early results. “I’m playing both but I know I’m going to college for defense.” That’s a topic that Wade has also brought up with the Maryland coaches. “I’ve talked to them. They said they’ll start evaluating me as a defensive player. They still like me on offense but they understand what I’m saying so they’ll look at me for defense now.” Head coach Mike Locksley has had no shortage of athletic tight end prospects who have transitioned into the NFL: Vernon Davis, Chigoziem Okonkwo, Irv Smith among them. That is part of Maryland’s pitch to keep him on the offensive side of the ball. “They know I’m athletic so they’ll label me as an athlete because I have multiple skillsets. They’ve told me why they like me at tight end since then, though. While Maryland topped Purdue and Rutgers to land his June commitment, Wade said that Florida State and UCF have been working to flip him. Wade currently is “not sure” when he will get to either school but knows it’s something that’s under consideration. “I still have my two officials left so I want to take all five.” Wade cited the relationship with the Seminoles the closest, but Maryland is staying on top of the Florida commit thanks to a pair of assistants. “They stay on me. We’re on the phone a lot just chopping it up with either coach Miller or coach .” Wade hopes to get to a game in College Park this season. “I know I’ll definitely come up to a game. I don’t know which one, I just know I want to be at one of them.” Wade is rated a three-star prospect and an 85 overall by On3, sitting as the nation’s 57th-best tight end. Related Links Inside the Bag: Maryland basketball momentum, football nugget Five stock risers from fall camp WR Marcus Fleming enters transfer portal VIP: return to campus; offseason buzz (+) Young stars stepping into larger roles on Maryland’s defense Maryland football’s final open practice ahead of week one(+)