The Maryland Terrapins got the 2014 recruiting period started early this year, picking up their first commitment in offensive lineman Jared Cohen. Fresh off one of its best recruiting classes in almost a decade, the Terrapins start 2014 with a commitment from Cohen, the 6’4, 290 lb. Junior out of McDonogh School in Owings Mill, Maryland.

McDonogh is notorious for being a pretty solid football school and occasional Maryland feeder, with Darrius Heyward-Bey being perhaps their most notable footballer in recent years. The Terrapins picked up another McDonogh prospect back in 2012, defensive end Roman Braglio. Braglio didn’t play for the Terrapins last season, but was a three-star strong side DE coming out of high school, and will likely be a contributor in the future.

McDonogh struggled last season, finishing 3-8 overall before bowing out to century-old rival Gilman School (home to future Terrapin Shane Cockerille) in the MIAA A Conference semifinal, 20-8. Cohen

Either way, this is great news for the Terrapins. Securing early commitments in a much-needed position like on the offensive line, and a big, Friedgen-esque lineman like Cohen at that, could give them leverage further down the road. Perhaps some of his teammates will want to come play for the Edsall regime. It also means the Terrapins are still managing to nab local recruits, and doing that despite a lack of success is a really impressive feat.

All around, a good early get for the Terrapins.