Long-time tackle target Travis Gray was in College Park for his first extended look at the Terps and it didn’t disappoint. Hosted by starting right tackle Spencer Anderson, Gray thoroughly enjoyed meeting the coaching staff.
“I did meet with coach Locksley,” Gray told Inside the Black & Gold. “I like the fact that he comes from a winning program, he knows how to win and he is building a winning program. He has created a family atmosphere with his staff and players, and that resonated with me.” The 6-foot-6, 300-pound tackle was also blown away with the new facilities. "Maryland has the best facility I’ve seen so far. It’s brand new with state of the art equipment and a large strength and conditioning staff specifically for football. My favorite part of the campus was getting to meet Ryan Davis and his strength and conditioning staff. He’s a high energy, motivational coach that will help push me.”
Gray got a chance to take in campus as the Terps made the need for tackles abudently clear during his 48-hour visit. With his mom by his side, Gray admitted it wasn’t what coach Locksley that stuck out but who he is as a head coach.
“It’s not what he told me, it’s where he’s been. He came from Alabama and knows how to win and he’s going to bring that to the University of Maryland. He’s a family guy, family-oriented and he said that’s something Nick Saban really wasn’t, that he’s working on it and wants to have that trust with his players.” It’s normal for kids to feel a rush of emotions during an official visit, but Locksley reiterated to Gray to take his time sifting through where he stands with the Terps. “He told me about the 48-hour rule. When you’re here, you want to commit but just go home and talk with mom, dad and make sure that I feel that way.”
Gray also got a chance to meet with offensive line coach Brian Braswell as the two hit it off. “Everything about him is just amazing,” Gray added. “Very personable guy.”
While Gray reiterated that Arizona and Maryland sit above the rest, he’ll take in three unofficial visits this week to Oklahoma, Colorado, and Tennessee. Did the Terps do enough during the visit? “Maryland sits high on my list.”
With his official visits seemingly wrapped up, Gray will take the rest of summer before making his verbal commitment.
“I would like to make a commitment before September. That timeframe will give me an opportunity to sit down with my family and discuss all of my options.”