Maryland currently sits at 19 commitments in the 2024 class and will look to close out the cycle with a long list of heavy hitters, though it’s the trenches that remain the focus to close things out. We delve into where things stand with senior seasons set to kick off around the country.
Starting at quarterback, Maryland already has one committed in Highland Springs (VA) Khristian Martin and they’re content with taking one unless the right one comes along to give them a second this class. For now, that person is Jones (FL) four-star Trever Jackson with Maryland and Ole Miss bouncing around, though the buzz sits with the Rebels as they look to add their QB to their 2024 class.
Maryland would have loved to get at least one of the local four-star duo Dilin Jones and Dejuan Williams and now, they have Williams in the fold. Jones was originally expected to take a June 23 official visit before those plans were derailed, only to commit to Wisconsin weeks later. Maryland, Virginia Tech and Florida State haven’t given up but the always-reserved Jones hasn’t shown signs of wavering early on with the Badgers making the DMV a focus. He does still have an official to Maryland set as his dad has a strong relationship with the staff.
The same stance also holds true for teammate Elijah Moore, who was rightfully upgraded to four-star status by Rivals. FSU was a wildcard in his recruitment with Maryland in the mix and Ohio State in the lead heading into summer, but the combo of the pursuit and NIL helped seal the deal as he’s locked in with the Seminoles. Maryland has three wideouts already in the fold in Mekhai White, Jahmari Powell-Wonson and Josiah McLaurin and I’d expect they stand pat unless Moore changes course and gives serious consideration to a winter Maryland official or there’s attrition from within the program.
Maryland has made the offensive line a clear focus this cycle after Texas swing guard Samir Camacho became the seventh in the fold, a necessary move with as many as six linemen possibly moving on after this season, but the Terps aren’t done recruiting at the position. Maryland remains in the mix for IMG Academy (FL) four-star guard Jordan Seaton with the hometown team staying in heavy contact. Seaton has no shortage of options as one of the top linemen in the country, and now, he has visits set to LSU (Sept. 9), Florida (Sept. 16), Oklahoma (Sept. 30), Ohio State (Oct. 6), Oregon (Nov. 10) and South Carolina (Nov. 18) with Maryland a candidate for a December visit. NIL will play a big part in Seaton’s final decision, but when it comes to relationships, the connection between Seaton and head coach Mike Locksley is a driving force in the Terps’ chances. A bonus is the addition of Brian Griffin, who opted to leave the Falcons in favor of taking over Maryland’s newly-created chief of staff role back in June. It also doesn’t hurt that multiple current Maryland commits have also been in contact with Seaton, something that’s become more common through the summer. Location won’t play a prominent decision, but being away from the DMV has aided Maryland’s chances in convincing Seaton that home may not be a bad option in the end. Seaton, though, isn’t the only one as Maryland has stayed in contact with Miami (FL) verbal Juan Minaya, who had plans to officially visit the Terps in mid-June before opting to commit to the ‘Canes.
On the defensive side of the ball, bolstering the defensive line remains the top focus and the two primary flip targets are FSU four-star verbal DD Holmes and Virginia Tech verbal Eric Mensah.
Maryland finished as the runner-up for Holmes, who followed through with his pledge to the Seminoles the same weekend that Elijah Moore committed. NIL played a big hand in Holmes’s recruitment and while Maryland still has the support of mom, a local source said Holmes is not giving a possible flip serious consideration at this time. Part of that is due to Gonzaga gearing up for their season, while part of it is that is Gonzaga historically dissuades flips. The last prospect to do so? Marcus Lewis, a former four-star from the 2015 class who ironically ended his career at Maryland. Even still, defensive coordinator Brian Williams has done well to keep the line of communication open between the two sides. As for Mensah, there was confidence in Maryland’s chances both coming out of his OV and leading up to his decision with the staff having strong connections in his camp though his recruitment hasn’t changed since announcing for the Hokies. Maryland has also stayed in touch with Clemson verbal Darien Mayo, who at one point in time called the Terps the favorite, as a fall official visit remains available, while they keep tabs on Texas verbal D’antre Robinson. Heading into the fall, confidence isn’t high with either Mayo or Robinson though Maryland continues to hit Good Counsel hard into 2025.
As far as uncommitted targets, Maryland is still in the thick of it for Quince Orchard (MD) four-star Jaylen Harvey, who still has Maryland in his top three. His recruitment has bounced around plenty through the summer with Maryland being the one to give his camp a tough pitch that’s made it difficult for Penn State. USC remains the wildcard with support from mom, while NIL has come under the microscope over the last ten days. Harvey’s decision is expected by the end of the month and his recruitment still has an impact on Brian Robinson’s recruitment with both Maryland and Penn State involved, while one contact said confidence is still high in Lexington for the four-star. Maryland has strong connections with his family and have been among the most consistent with confidence down the stretch, while Kentucky remains the biggest challenger. Robinson has enrolled at Westerville North (OH) after a fallout with his previous coaching staff.
Maryland is in a good spot at linebacker with Anthony Reddick, Keyari James and Keyshawn Flowers already in the fold, and they’ve kept tabs on several more committed prospects. Of course, that begins with Florida four-star Aaron Chiles who the staff won’t give up on until signing day. Right now, Chiles is directing his focus on preseason as he’s locked in with the Gators, but the staff continues to have an open dialog with him since committing. The same holds true for Jeremiah Marcelin, a Florida linebacker who committed to Pitt over Maryland and Louisville. Defensive coordinator Brian Williams has a natural, comfortable relationship with the complete linebacker as he keeps his recruitment open. Maryland also hosted Syracuse verbal Michael Matthews-Canty, who is drawing interest at linebacker, back in late July as inside linebacker coach Lance Thompson continues to keep tabs on the 6-foot-2, 200-pound athlete.
In the secondary, Maryland has three commits in Lakhi Roland, Larry Tarver and Lloyd Irvin ironing out the cornerback room along with four-star Brandon Jacob as the lone safety and crown jewel of the class. Maryland has kept tabs on a pair of four-star SEC verbals in Braydon Lee and Cai Bates, but the secondary is in good hands with several underclassmen set to ascend along the roster in 2024.
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