Maryland among the most consistent schools with in-state OL

Maryland became the first Power Five offer and second overall offer for Dunbar (MD) offensive lineman Josh Blackston at the tail end of his junior season after inside linebacker coach Lance Thompson kept tabs on the 6-foot-5, 275-pound lineman through the summer. Since then, offensive line coach Brian Braswell has chipped in to make the Terps one of the most consistent schools in his recruitment. "I hear a lot from Virginia Tech, Maryland, Boston College, Rutgers," Blackston told IBG. The in-state lineman made his way to College Park for two games during the 2022 season before returning last year for a spring practice, but the relationship between he and Thompson has kept Maryland in his top group. "I talk to coach Braswell a lot but coach Lance is the main guy I've been talking with. We talk football but it's a lot about just life," Blackston added. "I'm looking forward to getting on campus and getting a vibe of the whole place again." Rutgers has made Blackston a priority target in the early stages of the 2025 cycle and his first trip to Piscataway didn't disappoint back in January. "Rutgers really just been in constant communication. The person I talk to the most in my recruitment is probably the line coach," he said. Blackston made his way to Blacksburg last month for his first visit to Virginia Tech with former Maryland assistant and current Hokie offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen leading efforts. "It was nice down there. Coach Bowen has been trying to get me up there." Cincinnati and Pitt became the latest two schools to jump into the picture, while James Madison and UCoonn extended verbals offer back in January. "It's a lot to think about. It's a mix of both stress and fun," Blackston added. "A lot of times the questions come during the experience when I get a feel for the place." Where he lines up along the offensive line is fluid depending on the program while Blackston's fit in the Big Ten is likely at guard. "I know a couple of schools talked to me about playing both, some talked about being a hybrid guy and playing guard." Josh Blackston is not yet rated by On3. Related Links Notes: basketball visitors + staff note (+)Maryland baseball takes opening series vs. Georgia SouthernMaryland survives fifth-ranked Syracuse in 13-12 overtime thriller