Oakdale (MD) duo Evan Austin and Dominic Nichols have been to Maryland several times over the last year as the staff looks to prioritize the in-state duo next cycle. After contemplating a visit to Virginia Tech, Austin and Nichols instead visited Maryland for last weekend’s barbeque as the trip gave them a different glimpse of the program.
“I got a chance to talk to everyone. Coach Brewer, coach Miller and their families so that was really good,” Austin told Inside the Black and Gold. “They got in the water with us too so that was fun.” After quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa was throwing to receiver Rakim Jarrett in the Jones-Hill House during the event, Austin also got a chance to meet Maryland’s star quarterback in the locker room. “It was awesome, that was my first time.”
Tight ends coach Mike Miller has primarily led the contact with both with Brewer pitching in. “I love them both. Coach Miller has been reaching out as much as he can.” It also helps that Austin’s older sister is midway through her experience as a University of Maryland student. “I’ve been up there a bunch through the years.”
Nichols, meanwhile, has become a priority recruit for several regional schools but has a top six in place. “Ole Miss, Penn State, Michigan State, Pitt, Virginia Tech and Maryland,” he told Inside the Black and Gold. Like Austin, Maryland is familiar to him as the staff turns up the heat to elevate themselves into a prominent contender.
“It was cool, we got there and got welcomed in by all the recruiting staff. Then we went and took pictures. After that we watched videos of the Maryland football program and started to head over to the pool. Where I spent most of my time was talking to coach Miller and other recruits,” Nichols added.
Both Austin and Nichols have started fall camp and have a pair of scrimmages ahead of the September 2 opener.
Austin is not yet rated by On3, while Nichols is a four-star prospect and a 91 overall by On3. Nichols checks in as the 138th-best prospect in the country.