Maryland Football: Who Will Join ‘The Movement’ Next?
Jul 10, 2014; Beaverton, OR, USA; Defensive lineman Adam McLean (49) yells out to his teammates during Nike Football
Since Randy Edsall became the Maryland football head coach in 2011, there has been a shift in the way the Terps have recruited. More now than ever, they have placed a heavy emphasis on doing well in the DMV area, which includes Washington D.C, Maryland, and Virginia. They, along with recruits, have dubbed this transition, “The Movement.”
The first big name to join the movement under Edsall was Stefon Diggs (Good Counsel) back in 2012. Diggs could have went to a number of other big-time programs, but he decided to represent his home state by attending the University of Maryland. He even had some things to say about the movement in December. Over the years, other players from the great state of Maryland have gotten on board with the movement, including offensive lineman Damian Prince (Bishop McNamara) and Jesse Aniebonam (Good Counsel).
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While the Terps enjoyed some recruiting success in the first couple seasons under Edsall, the past year has been even more good to the program. First, Maryland was able to reel in four-star Class of 2015 defensive tackle Adam McLean (Quince Orchard). McLean was rated the 14th best defensive tackle by 247Sports and was also ranked No. 83 on the ESPN300. Then, just a couple weeks ago, four-star Class of 2016 quarterback Dwayne Haskins (Bullis) announced his commitment to the Terps.
Now there are other talented players from the area who have committed to Maryland, but McLean and Haskins are the spearheads for the movement. They have actively helped the coaching staff recruit more local talent and expect more players to get on board.
Here are some names to watch out for.
TE Naseir Upshur (Philadelphia)
Upshur may not be from the DMV area, but the Terps have dipped into Penn State territory. The Nittany Lions have had plenty success in Maryland and the Terps may be trying to turn the tables. Upshur and Haskins have shown an interest in playing with one another after attending a camp together.
WR Trevon Diggs (Avalon)
The Alabama Crimson Tide were once the favorite to land Stefon’s younger brother, but that may have changed with Haskins’ commitment. The two players have long bragged about being a package deal and if this comes to fruition, the Terps could have one of the premier quarterback-to-receiver combinations in the country in a few years.
OG Terrance Davis (DeMatha)
There are already a few Maryland commits from the Stags, but this would be the biggest one. Davis is rated the second best offensive guard in the class of 2016 and the fourth best prospect in Maryland by 247Sports. It’s looking like the recruiting battle for his services is going to come down to the Terps and Michigan.
WR Tino Ellis (DeMatha)
Ellis is another big time DeMatha player. Like Diggs, he is a good friend of Haskins and his college decision could be heavily influenced by the quarterback’s commitment. Currently, Virginia Tech is the favorite to land Ellis, but don’t count out the hometown Terps.
DT Ellison Jordan (Gilman)
The Terps are the favorite to land the defensive tackle as of right now. Jordan is the 17th best at his position in the class and is the 6th best player in the state of Maryland. It appears that Virginia Tech and Penn State will be the stiffest competition for Maryland.