With day one of the college football portal wrapping up, the latest premium notes from the recruiting trail…
If you’ve been reading since the winter portal period ended, you’ve known that offensive tackle has long been a top priority for Maryland. The first tangible target surfaced once the portal opened on Tuesday as Maryland has been in contact with former Arkansas tackle Andrew Chamblee. After signing with the Hogs as a former top-200 prospect, Chamblee redshirted his first season before starting eight games in 2023 and landing on the All-SEC Freshman Team and now, he’s blossomed into one of the top portal targets across the country. His recruitment has moved quickly with visits to UCLA (April 17), Kansas St. (April 20) and Colorado (April 27) already set, though sources tell IBG that Chamblee and Maryland are working to set a visit for the All-SEC tackle to make his way to campus. Chamblee will be a tough pull, but the Terps will work to get him on campus as they look to solidify the room. I wouldn’t necessarily classify Chamblee as the guy along the offensive line just yet as we’ll see plenty more names materialize the rest of the month, but he’s an early priority name to know.
Another name to keep tabs on at a priority position: former Michigan TE Josh Beetham. The Illinois native saw time in nine games in 2023 and although he didn’t record a catch, his veteran experience as a blocking tight end makes him a candidate to help fill a key void for the Terps’ offense. Beetham entered the transfer portal last week, while former Michigan TE Matthew Hibner previously committed to SMU and I don’t expect him to resurface with the Terps.
Adding at least one tackle and a blocking tight end will go a long way for Maryland’s outlook on the offensive side of the ball next season. The current portal haul along the offensive line has been as advertised for Maryland: Josh Kaltenberger has proven himself as a consistent piece at center, Aliou Bah is coming off a strong showing in Saturday’s scrimmage where he showcased his impressive athleticism for his 6-foot-5 size, while Alan Herron has flashed NFL potential heading into his first of two seasons with the program. After the run game struggled to find consistency through conference play in 2023, adding another long tackle and in-line blocker adds optimism to what Maryland’s running game could look like in 2024. As for the current room, Roman Hemby and Colby McDonald have picked up where they left off last season as they shoulder the load this fall, but the room will have a third to lean on: Nolan Ray. The second-year running back Nolan Ray has put together a strong spring after his freshman year was derailed by injuries, getting into the endzone during the 7-on-7 period of practice during Baltimore Day. He did so before Saturday’s open practice, but Ray has continued showcasing his impressive balance, burst, and elusiveness in the room. It’s safe to expect the Michigan native to be an integral piece in the rotation this fall.
He wouldn't be denied@Nolanray05 pic.twitter.com/9ihXnvxBTM
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) April 15, 2024
At wide receiver, Kaden Prather and Tai Felton enter the season as the alpha dogs in the room and there’s ample confidence in the underclassmen, along with the spring development of Octavian Smith and especially Shaleak Knotts. Maryland will continue to monitor the wide receiver market, though it’s not a priority like offensive tackle, tight end, cornerback and defensive line, but I’ve heard that former Penn St. WR Keandre Lambert-Smith has expressed interest in Maryland. Auburn and Colorado are among the long list of schools in the mix already, and a lot will need to develop for Maryland to be an active player in his portal process, but even with the quarterback battle expected to continue to August, the Terps’ offense has and will continue to attract top portal talent.
Meanwhile, who else has impressed? I’ve heard that freshman guard Ryan Howerton has been impressive through his first spring ball where he’s been able to run with the two’s, while going up against linemen like Jordan Phillips has provided good early feedback on the former St. Vincent Pallotti lineman.
After the first scrimmage this past Saturday, Maryland will look to hit the ground running this upcoming Saturday at Ballou where fans can watch the team beginning at 10:45 AM with a chance to meet the players and coaches afterward.
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VIP: basketball portal frenzy, football portal efforts, NIL confidence (+)