Maryland picked up their second commitment of the week when Anthony Reddick went public on Sunday morning. One week after making it back up to campus for the first time since his freshman season, Reddick returned to Maryland on Saturday with his mom, his brother and his longtime Virginia coach Stephen Evans—who helped Maryland flip Tahj Capehart from Virginia Tech years ago. What made this commitment possible? Saturday’s visit gave Reddick’s family an extended chance to sit down with new assistant Latrell Scott and build on their comfortable relationship. The strength of Maryland’s academics, close distance to home and the relationship with the staff made it a slam dunk to become commitment number four in the class. Reddick joins the class as an OLB where I see him filling in as a JACK at the next level.
The good news might not end there as Myrtle Beach Collegiate (SC) athlete Kevin Dougherty closing in on a decision. Maryland extended an offer late last week and I’d expect Dougherty to make a decision by the end of the week with the portal heating up. Miami, Pitt and UNC are among the teams in the mix as well with the Canes also extending an offer but it’s the Terps who hold the clear edge in this race and should he commit, he’d fill the role of the blocking tight end that the room.
Maryland jumped into the mix for safety Ezaiah Shine after he visited campus on Friday and he’ll be back on campus at the end of the month for the spring game. Shine won’t be alone as four-star safety Brandon Jacob will make the trip up to College Park for the fourth time since last season. Back to Shine, Maryland is a school that the 6-foot-2 safety is high on and could land in their class by the spring game. I wouldn’t expect Jacob to follow suit, but landing Shine definitely doesn’t hurt Maryland’s chances with Jacob as the two are close friends.
On the portal side, Maryland saw its first departure when Keon Kindred announced he’s leaving on Friday. Coming out of the weekend, I’m not expecting any impact players to depart from the weekend. I do expect both sides of the trenches to be the main focus, though one target is on the board while another comes off.
Houston OL Cam’Ron Johnson is down to Missouri and USC, but the staff were one of a long list of teams to jump in for App State OL Troy Everett. Working to connect with one contact close to Everett before reporting more, but he’s a new target to keep close tabs on.
The 2022 Maryland offense won’t look the same as the 2023 offense with a new scheme and playbook in place, making Saturday the first time the team was able to put it to the test in a scrimmage. While Cam Edge drew praise from Locksley yesterday afternoon, RB Roman Hemby was among the top performers from Saturday as he again leads the RB room. Tai Felton also found his way into the endzone as he’ll be a big factor in the WR rotation, while Billy Edwards turned heads working with the second team (via Logan Delizio).
Lastly, I’m also hearing there could be a special announcement coming out of Terpville on Monday. Should be fun.