Maryland looks to close on a pair of defensive line targets this weekend

Maryland already has five defensive linemen committed in the 2025 cycle, but they'll hope to add to that this upcoming weekend when a pair of targets go public with their decisions. Four-star Bryce Jenkins is set to announce on Saturday evening among a final group including Maryland, Tennessee, Rutgers and South Carolina, while Mainland (FL) three-star defensive tackle Christian Hudson has his finalists set ahead of his Saturday commitment. Hudson, a 6-foot, 260-pound lineman, is set to commit among a final group including Maryland, UCF, Iowa and Iowa State. Hudson took official visits to each school in June with the in-state Knights the first school hosting him and there's buzz heading down the stretch that they're the wildcard contender in the race with family connections keeping the in-state school a factor. But the two main schools atop the chase remain Iowa and Maryland with Hudson still bouncing between the two schools heading into the final days. The Hawkeyes are coming off the final official visit where there's been consistent confidence around their chances heading into a decision, but the Terps continue to be the ones who can change that with a chance to retake clear momentum heading into the rest of the week. As assistant James Thomas leads the way with co-defensive coordinator Brian Williams involved down the stretch, Hudson had unofficially visited Maryland in the spring before returning for his official visit where the Florida vibes quickly resonated with the out-of-state target. “A lot of new different things this time around. I noticed that most of the staff was African-American, which really showed the diversity and their true color which I really like in the football program because you don’t see that too many places,” Hudson told IBG. “They made me feel like a priority from the first step on campus and just being around them.” “It’s a great place, family environment and with coach Locks being the head man, I see a lot of greatness. One thing they really did that caught my eye was the mentorship program they have there. I loved that. I see how they produce. They’ve got the Florida guys like me. I was with Jordan Phillips, he’s from Florida just like me and he says he loves it up there. I really do take his word because I see what they’ve done for him and what he’s doing with it.” Maryland hosted other targets in June who have extended timelines line Wake Forest pledge Terry Nwabuisi-Ezeala, Calvert Hall (MD) three-star Asaiah-Allan Hamond and Paint Branch (MD) three-star Yvan Kemajou but they're moving full steam ahead to restock a unit set to lose ample experience following the 2024 season. While Maryland looks to win out with the out-of-state target, the Terps remain the team to beat for local four-star Bryce Jenkins as head coach Mike Locksley and the staff have a chance to maintain momentum on the trail heading into next weekend. Related Links

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