While head coach Mike Locksley and Maryland have put the closing touches on the foundation of their 2024 class heading into the 2023 season, August 1 marked the first day that college coaches could directly contact 2025 prospects as the staff begins adding the second layer to the foundation in their recruitments. The DMV boasts a long list of local talent on the defensive side of the ball, but there are several local options who have already made their way to Maryland with others hearing from the assistants. We take a look at ten names to know on the offensive side of the ball for Maryland’s 2025 football recruiting efforts.
The physical 6-foot-1.5 WR has been steadily hearing from both assistants Gunter Brewer and Lance Thompson as Allen visited Penn State and then Maryland last month as the two Big Ten programs are among the schools involved early on. It helps that Maryland has Jahmari Powell-Wonson, Allen’s teammate, already in the fold as they work to get him back on campus with his recruitment just taking shape. Michigan, Boston College, Duke, West Virginia, Virginia Tech and UNC are among the schools to offer Allen early on.
The towering 6-foot-8 tackle made his way to Ohio State and West Virginia before returning to Maryland back on July 29 as the Terps leave their mark on the local lineman, including with a sit down with head coach Mike Locksley. Buchanan is expected to start at right tackle for what’s expected to be a strong offensive line for the Falcons this fall.
Similar to Buchanan, Crawford made his way to Maryland back on July 29 as the Terps are among the schools squarely in the mix early. Crawford made his way to West Virginia and Michigan State before returning to College Park while Boston College, Duke, Georgia and USF are among the other schools involved. Crawford is expected to start at left guard this fall next to West Virginia verbal Kyle Altuner.
The defending 4A champs have ammo on the other side of the trenches with four-star Jaylen Harvey and Penn State verbal Xavier Gilliam leading the way, but Howard will be a big piece of the Cougars’ offense this fall as the explosive back gets a chance to prove himself among the area’s top prospects this fall. Howard has made his way to Maryland twice this year and has been able to meet with new running backs coach Latrell Scott as outside linebacker coach James Thomas is leading the pursuit early. Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Michigan State and Virginia Tech are among the schools looking to receive a visit this fall while Howard entertains his SEC interest.
One of the top athletes in PG County and the playmaker for Rock Creek this fall, Kontosis has made his way to Maryland in the past including most recently for a spring practice in College Park. Former assistant Elijah Brooks once led the way with the 6-foot-1 wide receiver as Brewer has since picked up the slack as Kontosis has heard from the staff since August 1. Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Oregon, Tennessee, Minnesota and Syracuse are among the early schools who’ve offered Kontosis.
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The one-time blue-chip lineman, McFadden began his career at St. John’s (DC) before transferring to St. Frances (MD) and now Riverdale Baptist as the projected guard is slated to be a big piece up front for Orlandis Gary, the new head coach who once played at Riverdale before moving onto Marshall then five seasons with the Denver Broncos. Virginia Tech is also involved with McFadden, who was among the top performers at the Under Armour Camp in Baltimore back in May.
The versatile athlete will step into the void in the Panthers’ backfield with Maryland verbal Dejuan Williams sidelined with a torn ACL, but it won’t just be at running back. Nelson will also be the Panthers’ primary returner this fall as he gets a chance to showcase himself on national television later this week when SFA travels to face Buford. Colorado, Oregon, Virginia Tech Illinois and Syracuse are among the schools to extend offers early while Nelson has made his way to Maryland at least two times over the last 12 months. Nelson began his high school career at Good Counsel before transferring in January.
There’s little doubt that Porter will have his choice of suitors when the time is right, but for now, the top-100 prospect is enjoying a double-digit offer sheet featuring the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Oregon, Oklahoma, Michigan, Penn State and Michigan State among others. Porter made his way to Michigan in late July with Ohio State also considered a top contender, but he’s in the process of scheduling additional visits for the fall. Maryland signed DJ Samuels out of the New Jersey powerhouse two cycles prior to Porter and the four-star made his way to campus in the spring alongside Rutgers verbal Kaj Sanders. Cornerbacks coach Henry Baker leading the way here early.
The goal will once again be to sign at least one quarterback in the 2025 cycle and local quarterback Malik Washington is the top priority on Maryland’s wishlist. The dual-threat quarterback, who has shined with Team Melo through his high school career, has made himself a familiar face in College Park since arriving at the MIAA powerhouse. Washington was already familiar having made his way to Maryland as an underclassman, but the local four-star has been on campus at least twice this year, including a spring practice, as he’s gotten a chance to build his relationship with new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. Head coach Mike Locksley has also remained involved in his recruitment while defensive coordinator Brian Williams is involved as the area recruiter as the Terps look to sign a Spalding product for the fourth consecutive cycle. Penn State has also made themselves an early contender while Washington visited Oregon in late July, but added elite QB Akili Smith Jr. to the 2025 class shortly after. Oregon also took a pair of quarterbacks in the 2024 cycle, likely taking them out of the running. Arkansas, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Rutgers and Texas A&M are among the other early contenders.
Maryland has made themselves a player for some of Florida’s top prospects over the years primarily thanks to the connections of defensive coordinator Brian Williams and outside linebacker coach James Thomas, and it’s Williams leading the way for Williams here after the Terps offered the 6-foot-7 tackle back during the spring evaluation period. Recruiting analyst Marcus Thomas, who’s been a big boost on the backend of Maryland’s recruiting efforts, has also connected with the three-star target while Brian Williams has been in contact since August 1. The towering Florida tackle is eyeing a visit to Maryland this fall.
Priority target has several visits set, talks Zoom meeting with Maryland, timeline (+)
Four-star LB hearing from Maryland early, set to visit five schools this fall (+)
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