Maryland held an edge for Loyola Blakefield (MD) tight end AJ Szymanski ever since offer last month and after admitting he was “probably 99%” sure heading into his official visit, the in-state product went public with his pledge on Saturday morning.
Szymanski was one of three visiting prospects that told the staff and other visitors where he’ll suit up during Saturday’s dinner boat as Maryland checked off all the boxes in his recruitment. “I always had an image of myself going there but kind of like getting a feel, going out that first night hanging out with the players, I thought I think I’m good. I think I’m ready,” he told Inside the Black and Gold.
Szymanski was hosted by new quarterback Billy Edwards on the visit while also getting a chance to spend time with sophomore tight end CJ Dippre where he got an in-depth look at the culture of the program. “The whole trip in general was really good. I was able to fully experience the culture with the coaches and the team, it was a really good time.” Though Edwards has been in College Park for roughly one month, hearing his feedback helped solidify his decision. “He just told me from a transfer portal perspective it’s a really good school, really good time.”
But there was one aspect that stuck out to Szymanski the most—strength and conditioning coach Ryan Davis.
“He’s just got great energy and he’s probably one of the best strength and conditioning coaches I’ve seen and just all the people on his staff, working for the greater cause, it was just really good seeing. I’m going to be with him most of the time, players were telling me you’re either with him or your position coach most of the time you’re here and seeing that energy, enthusiasm really gives me hope that I can work and make me the best version of myself to help the team how I can.”
Szymanski will look to major in mechanical engineering which made Maryland the no-brainer decision after researching and learning about his four-year plan during the visit. “I think it started with football and found their engineering program was really, really good so it just checked all the boxes.”
Maryland has a trio of underclassmen looking to take on a bigger role in 2022 with freshman Preston Howard arriving on campus roughly one week ago, but Szymanski helps restock a room currently led by Corey Dyches. Tight ends coach and lead recruiter Mike Miller broke down how Szymanski fits into the Terps offense. “He loves how I can get out in the open field, make people miss, get open. I can block too, so he sees me as a really versatile player. He was showing me all the plays last year with Chig [Okonkwo] and CJ [Dippre] and it opened my eyes to what he expects of me and what I’m kind of expecting this next year.”
Szymanski became the second of three commitments in Maryland’s 2023 class, but the Terps have added ample local flavor since McDonogh (MD) center Tamarus Walker jumped on board back on June 12. Since then, St. Frances receiver Ryan Manning, St. John’s receiver Sean Williams and Wise defensive back Mykel Morman all jumped aboard while the Terps reeled in Madison County cornerback Jonathan Akins last weekend. For Szymanski, staying home was the right decision for him.
“It feels great, staying home was a bigger decision but I think it’s going to work in my favor. It’s about 50 minutes to an hour from my house depending on traffic, so I can see my parents, they can come to all the home games without an issue.”
He is not yet rated by On3.
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