Maryland has added its final safety pledge. Rolesville (NC) three-star Tamarcus Cooley has flipped his commitment from NC State today, giving the staff the fourth safety this cycle. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound safety was hearing from both wide receiver coach Gunter Brewer and safeties coach Wes Neighbors through the fall and made his first visit to campus back on November 19 when Ohio State came to town. Cooley stayed on campus through the weekend where the staff was able to make a major move and lay the foundation for an eventual flip. After the staff checked in during the beginning of the contact period, Cooley followed through with an official visit to campus the weekend of December 9. Cooley becomes the second pledge from North Carolina this cycle, joining Hickory (NC) four-star athlete Rico Walker. Cooley previously committed to NC State on July 4 over offers from Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee and West Virginia and took official visits to Ole Miss, Minnesota, NC State and North Carolina. https://twitter.com/ethanmmcdowell/status/1557548601240420353 Cooley joins former Miami safety Avantae Williams, Pallotti safety Alex Moore and Canarise safety Tayvon Nelson in Maryland’s 2023 recruiting class. Maryland had two safety spots to fill down the stretch following Isaiah Hazel’s departure, leaving the staff in pursuit of both Cooley and Williams down the stretch. At Rolesville, Cooley played both ways while also lining up as a returner. The physical athlete drew interest on the offensive side of the ball among some of his suitors, but he’ll headline the next wave of talent along the backline with Beau Brade and Dante Trader entering year two as starters in 2023. As a senior, Cooley posted 54 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery on defense. He also registered 121 rushing yards, 426 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns. Cooley is rated a three-star prospect and an 86 overall by On3, sitting as the 33rd-best prospect in North Carolina. Related Links NSD: Maryland closing in on 2023 class Tuesday evening buzz (+)
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