Maryland’s 2023 class sits at 21 commitments this cycle with the latest coming from Churchill (MD) receiver Zeke Avit. With much of the skill positions already filled, Maryland has spent ample time building the recruiting board in the trenches while uncovering a handful of new juco targets. Still, there’s a pair of local targets still in the mix and a Philly product to keep tabs on as we recap where things stand.
Archbishop Carroll ATH Nyck Harbor: Maryland has been in hot pursuit of the DC five-star ever since contact with 2023 was allowed last summer. His visit with his mom and grandma for last year’s game against Howard made the Terps a prominent contender, but they’ve been sliding since late summer here. Track is an emphasis for Harbor given his freakish athleticism and since the start of fall, Harbor has watched his lead recruiter for track depart for TCU while Caleb Dean transferred out. Maryland will still get its crack at Harbor this offseason. South Carolina is one to watch while Michigan hosted Harbor and his family for an official one week later. Confidence is high in Columbia, South Carolina. Harbor was slated to officially visit LSU next month but because of his senior season, that’s been pushed to the first weekend in December. That means Maryland will likely snag the second weekend in December for an official visit. Confidence in College Park has steadily dwindled through the fall, but the Terps aren’t completely out yet.
Good Counsel OLB Dylan Gooden: We’ve mentioned that Maryland has become a bigger player in Gooden’s recruitment ever since mid-July, briefly before he and his family returned to campus for the BBQ back on July 30. Maryland remains heavily in the mix alongside Virginia Tech and Rutgers, while Syracuse and Michigan State are two others sniffing around. Academics are the biggest determining factor in Gooden’s next move and while Gooden likely takes a December official visit, don’t be shocked if he signs during the February signing period to iron everything out. Maryland has to smooth over the relationship with Good Counsel, but they’re still well-positioned here as things currently stand.
Imhotep SAF Rahmir Stewart: another target we mentioned in late summer, no school has hosted Stewart more than Maryland in his recruitment. Stewart returned for another trip to College Park for the week one win over Buffalo and has been in steady contact with position coach Wes Neighbors and running backs coach Elijah Brooks. When Stewart and Texas A&M were in holding pattern, Maryland ramped up their pursuit and have kept an open line of communication with a need for one more safety this cycle.
Union County DE Markus Strong: Maryland jumped into the mix for the Florida defensive lineman, once again with Neighbors and Williams leading the way. Strong told IBG that Maryland was the school reaching out the most and an offseason official visit is a strong possibility. Maryland has a pair of interior defensive linemen committed and need help outside, making Strong another possibility.
Iowa Central OT Daniel Ogundipe: the tackle board has been a work in progress ever since Tosin Babalade committed to South Carolina over Maryland. Enter Ogundipe, an Old Dominion bounceback with 3 years to play 3. Maryland is looking to host him for an official visit when Ohio State comes to town, marking the first in-season official for Maryland. Maryland has a good chance here should they continue to push for the 6-foot-5 lineman.
Lakeland OT Devin Vass: Maryland and Missouri offered on the same day and it was the Mizzou offer that stuck out more. Like Ogundipe, Maryland needs another tackle and the 6-foot-6 left tackle would fill that spot well. Vass isn’t as familiar with Maryland and the program like he is with other schools, so work to do before getting him up for a game visit.
Washington-Liberty DL Elijah Hughes: Maryland has been working on the Virginia lineman since the spring, but as his recruitment continues, the more likely that Stanford becomes the pick. His last official visit was spent in Palo Alto and he’s still going through the admissions process. Virginia Tech felt confident over the summer while Maryland continues to poke around his recruitment, but Stanford remains the team to beat and it’s looking unlikely that someone tops them.
Palmetto DE Andrew Rumph: another who officially visited Maryland back in June but I don’t see Maryland remaining a player here despite making his top four this summer.
Avon Old Farms LB Christian Alliegro: Maryland joins the host of Power Five programs that jumped into the mix this fall for the former Navy lacrosse commit. He’ll now make the switch to football after flashing with his senior tape and so far, Minnesota, Rutgers and Virginia are three pushing hard. Inside linebacker coach Lance Thompson is leading the charge here with a possible spot available at inside linebacker this fall, but too early to tell if he’ll make a trip to campus.
Coffeyville CB Bishop Fitzgerald: Maryland needs one more cornerback this cycle and Fitzgerald is the early target to fill that spot. Given that Neighbors is spearheading Maryland’s JuCo recruiting efforts, the two sides have been able to build a relationship. Indiana became the second Power Five school in the mix for the northern Virginia prospect, but familiarity and proximity to home aid Maryland’s efforts here. Expect an eventual visit to campus with the staff looking to close on the December grad.
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