Maryland has been tracking offensive linemen Keyshawn Blackstock through the fall with safeties coach already chasing his teammate, safety Bishop Fitzgerald. After reconfirming that Blackstock had an offer from Maryland, the staff made the trip out west to check on the 6-foot-5, 315-pound target.
“They came to see me last Friday, to be exact. The line coach and the safeties coach. They’re supposed to see my mom in two weeks,” Blackstock told Inside the Black and Gold. “They just want me to come in, it’s a great opportunity to come in and play. The situation for me fits but I’ve got a couple of schools also hitting me up a lot, so I’m giving everyone an opportunity.”
It helps that Maryland now has a pair of teammates who have built a growing friendship. “His room is right next to mine, that’s crazy.” Blackstock, though, hasn’t talked about the possibility of teaming up at the next level with the playoffs right around the corner. Maryland will work on finalizing an official visit likely for the December 9 visit, but Blackstock doesn’t have any schools he knows he’ll get to just yet.
“Just waiting to see how it plays out, nothing set it stone.” Auburn was in pursuit before news emerged on Monday that head coach Bryan Harsin had been fired, but the beach hitters still remain with Penn State, Oregon and Oklahoma in frequent contact. Blackstock’s lone official visit came to Illinois in mid-October and the Illini are a factor. “It was live. I love coach , great environment. Everyone knows who I was, players knew who I was too so that was big.”
Penn State is also working on a visit. “I hear from everybody. Coach Franklin, line coach.” Maryland’s offensive line coach Brian Braswell has been able to build the relationship through the fall and has a better feel for him as a coach. “He’s a good dude. He’s a straight forward guy, no bullshit. He knows what he wants and I know what I want too.”
Blackstock has three years to play two and is eligible to enroll at the school of his choice in January.Related Links WR verbal still locked in with Maryland (+) Coming out of the bye weekend (+) Preview: Maryland opens as underdog versus Wisconsin Maryland a prime contender for local target (+)