Since former four-star Tommy Akingbesote spurned the blue bloods in favor of Maryland out of high school, the Terps have struggled to pluck the top talent coming out of Flowers (MD) over the last two cycles. But one defensive target has kept close tabs on Maryland and with a top group set to come out soon, cornerback Lloyd Irvin remains squarely in the mix with the next step looming. A big reason why the 6-foot-2 corner has Maryland so high is because of his new area and position coach: Henry Baker. “I just like the guy. He’s a taller corner, he’s coached in the league. I feel like he has the understanding to play corner, to play with the long frame like mine,” Irvin told IBG. “I’m a true 6-foot-2 so I value like true experience when it comes to being a long DB like coach Baker has. With coach Brooks being gone, it just made it that I talk to him more. I’m fortunate that my area recruiter is also my position recruiter as well.” The transition from Brooks to Baker as his lead recruiter has helped maintain Irvin’s high interest in Maryland and getting an in-depth look at the cornerback room is a big reason why. Irvin last visited campus two weeks ago for “probably like my fourth time at Maryland” where he was able to sit in position meetings before watching practice, giving him a different perspective on the program. “He’s extremely knowledgeable. A lot of guys make a lot of good plays on film but even when guys make good plays, he tries to show them what they can do to be in even better position. He wants you to stay top shoulder, play with your hands, come up with the interception. It’s never enough. That’s the kind of attitude that I want to be around. It’s a highly competitive environment, they’ve sent guys to the league and you’ve got to be able to pay attention to the details. Coach Baker can critique everything, but it’s constructive criticism.” It's clear that Maryland has left an impression, and that’s why Irvin will be back in College Park for an official visit the last weekend in June. “Everything is super natural. I have a great relationship with everybody. Originally I had a great relationship with coach Brooks, but now I’ve gotten close to coach Baker and the rest of the staff up there. It wasn’t really all the tours again, I’ve done everything you can do at Maryland but it’s more on the field, up close and watching practice and getting a better feel for being a player there.” Lloyd Irvin added that aside from Maryland, Maryland, Boston College, West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Marshall and Charlotte have been most consistent with him while “Wisconsin and Michigan State are definitely creeping up too.” Irvin will look to schedule a full slate of officials this summer ahead of a decision. “In a perfect world, I’d be committing before the season so around August,” he added. While he’s ironing out his official visit schedule amid a busy spring with track, Irin will be back in College Park for the spring game next Saturday.” Lloyd Irvin is not yet rated by On3, but is rated an 86 overall by IBG. Related Links
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