Maryland is set for scrimmage number two on Saturday morning, one week ahead of the spring game scheduled for a noon kickoff.
We mentioned that Roman Hemby shined during last week’s scrimmage while head coach Mike Locksley credited the progress of second-year quarterback Cam Edge with the media, the latest shred of evidence that the local quarterback could be ‘the guy’ after the Taulia Tagovailoa era ends. But another who has turned heads in his first round of spring ball: WR Octavian Smith.
The former four-star showed glimpses of what he’s capable of whether in space or along the sidelines and after reeling in at least eight catches in last weekend’s scrimmage, he’s got the hot hand in practice. Maryland’s new-look receiver room may not have the NFL buzz surrounding its top group like last year, but Smith’s emergence in a room featuring Kaden Prather, Jeshaun Jones, Tyrese Chambers and Tai Felton is evidence of the “pick your poison” level of talent in the room.
Elsewhere, all eyes are on the offensive line, though, with Aric Harris sliding into Coltin Deery’s spot and the interior line with a pair of linemen out of the portal the undoubted top focus heading into summer.
Personnel aside, local coaches who’ve trekked through College Park have been quick to note the pace of Maryland’s practices this spring.
Meanwhile on the same day that Maryland hosted Virginia three-star receiver Chanz Wiggins, the staff saw a priority out-of-state target make his way to campus when Crest (NC) three-star receiver Javarius Green and his father, who once stared at Ole Miss before becoming a two-team Super Bowl champ, made their way to campus. Maryland has been by to see the 6-foot, 190-pound wideout previously during the winter evaluation period and while the Terps have guys like Wiggins, Mekhai White, Elijah Moore and Jonathan Paylor among their top targets, Green is another to keep tabs on heading into summer.
Elsewhere at receiver, Oakdale wideout Evan Austin tells IBG he’ll be in town for the spring game next weekend and is working on scheduling an official visit to Maryland.
The staff is still working on four-star teammate Dom Nichols as he’s become growingly infatuated with the big name schools with Georgia the latest school to offer on Thursday, but he remains ‘cool’ on the big board.
Other names confirmed for the spring game include DeMatha (MD) three-star tackle Terez Davis and Highland Springs (VA) three-star quarterback Khristian Martin. Virginia Tech has become a growing factor for Davis with former assistant Elijah Brooks, who is active in the DMV this week, leading the charge for the Hokies. Martin drew a recent offer from Texas A&M but Maryland has been a mainstay in his recruitment across both Dan Enos and Josh Gattis as he’s a prime name to keep tabs on if MVB heads elsewhere.
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