For the first time in over a year, Maryland hosted four prospects out of Archbishop Wood (PA) on Tuesday. Four-star linebacker Semaj Bridgeman, defensive end Tyrese Whitaker, tight end Markus Dixon, and three-star defensive lineman Eric Gardner Jr made their way to College Park as newly appointed director of on-campus recruiting Shelton Eley led the group. It was the first time that the quartet has visited Maryland under head coach Mike Locksley as Bridgeman was impressed with what he saw.
“It was really good, really liked the campus and the program,” Bridgeman told Inside the Black & Gold. “Also got a chance to talk with the head coach Mike Locksley. We didn’t get to check out the new facilities yet.” While the new facilities will be unveiled later this month, the four-star’s conversation with Locksley gave him the motivation to return this summer.
“We talked about the history of the University of Maryland and how he’s planning to brand and build the program. We also talked about getting back on campus after the new facilities open up so we can check them out and have the full experience.”
Dixon backed up Bridgeman’s claim. “Great visit,” he added. “I loved the fact that they make sure they take care of student-athletes. Also making them apply to an internship along with the new facility being created.”
While Bridgeman added it’s the first of many for him this summer, he spoke highly of Eley on the visit.
“It was decent. He’s a cool, funny dude.”
Bridgeman is rated a four-star prospect and a 90 overall by 247Sports, while Gardner is rated a three-star prospect and an 87 overall by 247Sports. Neither Dixon nor Whitaker is ranked.