Maryland Football: Breaking Down the 2015 Recruiting Class

Jul 10, 2014; Beaverton, OR, USA; Defensive lineman Adam McLean (49) looks over at a teammate during Nike Football ‘ The Opening’ at Nike World Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2014-15 college football season now over for the Terps, it’s time for the coaching staff to continue getting ready for next season. They just recently found out that they will be without star receiver Stefon Diggs, who recently declared for the 2015 NFL Draft, so they have some work to do.

Rivals.com currently has Maryland ranked 52nd in its rankings of the top recruiting classes. So, far Maryland has reeled in 16 commits, including one player from the ESPN 300. The Terps are not satisfied with that and have been working tirelessly to recruit some other guys who are on their radar.

Top Commits:

Adam McLean, 4-star DT; Gaithersburg, MD

McLean is Maryland’s prized recruit. The Quince Orchard senior decommitted from Penn State, then two weeks later announced that he would be a Terp in 2015. McLean is the 90th-ranked player in the ESPN 300, the #12 defensive tackle in the country, and the highest ranked player in the state of Maryland. The Terps were able to beat out college football powerhouses such as Alabama, Notre Dame, Florida St., and Ohio State for McLean’s services.

The Terps had a bunch of seniors on the front line of their defense this season, so this commitment was huge because it helped fill a big position need. At 6’2″ and 293 pounds, he fits perfectly in Maryland’s 3-4 defense as a nose who can be a stout run defender and bull-rusher, creating opportunities for his teammates as well.

Another major reason why McLean’s commitment is so important is because he is from Maryland. Over the years, the Terps have struggled recruiting in-state, so this is a huge step in the “DMV to UMD” movement that the football program is pushing. There is plenty steam behind it so far and McLean is even taking matters into his own hands.

When asked about his decision to play for his hometown school, McLean replied,

"“It’s my home. I’ve lived here all my life. I can still keep my family values right here at Maryland, and do what I love to best, and that’s play football. There’s no better place to do it then right here in my hometown.”"

Gage Shaffer, 3-star QB; Ridgeley, WV

Gage Shaffer is just what the doctor ordered for Maryland. He is 6-6, 205 pounds and has a frame that these coaches can work with. The three-star quarterback is rated the 26th best pocket-passer in the Class of 2015 and the second best player in the state of West Virginia by ESPN.

Former Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann had the opportunity to watch the Maryland commit in person and he is very high on the kid. Theismann said of Shaffer,

"“His ability to move around in the pocket, his ability to roll left and right and throw the football was very impressive. He spins it really well. And he’s young.”“I think in Gage’s case, when you have a chance to watch him in person like I did, he certainly passes the eye test. And then you get to meet him, and you say this is a really special kid.”"

The Terps have a couple promising players at position currently in redshirt junior Perry Hills and redshirt freshman Shane Cockerille from Gilman. However, they may not be the long-term solution to the team’s quarteback woes. Shaffer could be the diamond in the rough Maryland has been looking for.

D.J. Moore, four-star WR; Philadelphia, PA

Moore, at 6-foot, 200 pounds, is a very solid athlete. He is rated as a four-star prospect and the 33rd best wide receiver in the nation by Rivals. Moore spurned the likes of Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Big Ten foes Illinois, Indiana, and Rutgers to come to College Park.

Moore’s commitment to the Terps appears to be even more meaningful now, with Diggs moving on to the pros. Hopefully he can make some big-time plays for Maryland like the one above.

The Rest of the Class:

• 3-star LB Gus Little; Fredericksburg, VA
• 3-star ATH Ty Johnson; Cumberland, MD (Fort Hill)
• 3-star OL Ellis McKennie; Owings Mills, MD (McDonogh)
• 3-star OL E.J. Donahue; Frederick, MD (Linganore)
• 3-star S Jameel Cook; Missouri City, TX
• 3-star OLB Brett Zanotto; Murrysville, PA
• 3-star C Mason Zimmerman; Whitehouse, OH
• 3-star OL Will McClain; Middletown, MD (Middletown)
• 3-star WR Jahrvis Davenport; Tampa, FL
• 3-star OL Mbi Tanyi; Houston, TX
• 3-star ILB Isaiah Davis; Alexandria, VA
• 3-star OL Keiron Howard; Oxon Hill, MD (Potomac)
• 3-star ATH Darnell Savage, Jr; Bear, DE

Who’s Left?:

While Maryland has already locked up a good crop of talent, they may not be done just yet. The Terps still have a few big names on their list that they are waiting to hear back from. The biggest name on that list is five-star defensive end Byron Cowart, who is ranked No. 2 in the ESPN 300 and the top player in the nation by Rivals. Maryland is currently on Cowart’s list, along with Florida St., Florida, Oregon, and Alabama. It should be noted, however, that the Terps are a long-shot to land him.

A more realistic commitment could come from four-star offensive tackle Isaiah Prince of Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt. Prince is highest rated player in Maryland and ranked 201st in the ESPN 300. If he signs with Maryland, the Terps will have landed the top prospect in the state for the third time in four years. Prince played in the U.S. Army All-American Game Saturday.

In an interesting story, four-star quarterback at Gilman School Kai Locksley, son of Maryland offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, decided to commit to Florida State. He was featured as a receiver in the Under Armour All-American and made a terrific catch.

Hopefully, Dad can get in his hear a little and sway him to stay home.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Maryland’s 2015 recruiting class and the Terps recruiting trail.