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Writer's pictureAhmed Ghafir

Pair of Maryland signees take in spring game, talk transition & chemistry

Maryland wrapped up its spring game with a long list of local talent and out-of-state targets in attendance, but the rest of the 2023 signees were also spotted throughout the stadium and field taking in the last scrimmage until they enroll.

That includes Neeo Avery and Dylan Gooden, who stayed for the entirety of the spring game. The two high school teammates were part of an imposing Falcons’ front seven over the last two seasons and now, they’ll do it again in College Park.

“Spring game is a pretty cool experience, just seeing how the defense works,” Avery told IBG.

Gooden, meanwhile, made himself a familiar face through spring practice as he got a chance to watch the outside linebackers in action as he prepares to work under James Thomas.

“I came to a couple of the practices. Just being solidified in the program, knowing that it’s all set. We got parts of the playbook so it’s a lot jumping from a high school playbook.”

Still, the former Good Counsel duo will be integral pieces in the future of Maryland’s front seven. Avery gave the Terps their signature signing day flip to cap off the 2023 class after spurning Ole Miss and head coach Lane Kiffin with Mike Locksley and Thomas in pursuit. Now, Avery has a chance to step into the two-deep this fall as the next homegrown talent to leave an impact with the program. “It’s home now,” Avery added.

Now the duo will look to wreck havoc together inside SECU Stadium, just like they did on Dancel Field in Olney. “The chemistry is already there for us on the field,” Avery added. “We have the chemistry and connection so we’re good,” Gooden said.

Avery and Gooden added they will enroll at Maryland on June 18 when summer workouts begin.Related Links

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