Maryland football in the top group for local top-100 prospect in 2027 class

Ahmed Ghafir
Aug 19
2 min read

With attention on the recruiting trail gradually shifting to the 2027 class, one of the state’s top prospects has taken the next step in his recruitment after DeMatha (MD) four-star James Pace announced his top ten on Tuesday.

Pace, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound edge, released a top ten including Maryland alongside Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Alabama became a factor for the rising WCAC star after hosting him for a multi-day visit where the four-star worked out for the staff before picking up an offer. Georgia has remained a factor since the start of summer, while Penn State has remained consistent since Pace’s recruitment began materializing as a sophomore. Maryland, meanwhile, was the last school to host Pace after he joined his teammates in College Park for a 7-on-7 the week of June 15 where assistant Aazaar Abdul-Rahim has spearheaded early efforts.

“Coach Aazaar just sent me their schedule actually,” Pace added. “He always stays in touch and always shows interest. Coach Locks has been reaching out to me too, called me a couple of times so it’s been steady with them. Everything has been great. They contact me a lot now so we’re just going to find a day once things open up for me to get down there and chop it up with them.”

Pace previously told IBG that Alabama and Penn State joined Maryland on his fall visit list as he previously detailed what he looks for from his top suitors.

“I just look for the coaches. I take the people who coach me very seriously. I’m being coached by a great coach at DeMatha, coach Will, so I look for the coaches. My dad comes with me on everything. He gets into all the other NIL, all of that. I stay all of that because I know all of that is going to come.

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