1.29.14 Damian Prince Close To Becoming A Terp?

With exactly a week before National Signing Day, I take a look at the major 2014 prospects Maryland is targeting including updates on numerous 2015 prospects.

• Damian Prince, Kareem McDonald, and Quarvez Boulware all sat together for the Maryland-Pittsburgh basketball game. Although the Terp faithful were disappointed with the outcome, all three recruits had an amazing time at the game. According to a source very close to Prince, “he will pick Maryland.” He’s talking about being “that spark that Maryland needs to get over that hump in the Big Ten.” I think Florida will make a push and I guarantee everyone will say he will pick Florida, but Maryland looks like a strong bet to pick up the third-best offensive tackle in the nation. But with Jared Cohen committing to North Carolina last night, Prince is essential to this class as Derwin Gray, Prince, and Larry Mazyck would contribute early to the offensive line.
• Kareem McDonald is “very close” to a Maryland offer as he has developed his relationship with offensive coordinator Mike Locksley. He certainly loves Maryland, and from what I’ve seen I think he will be a great, underrated signing. He will be another piece of evidence that rankings and stars are not a great indicator of talent.
• Quarvez Boulware recently stated he has no top 3 or 5 as “he has a lot of thinking to do.” Nonetheless, I believe him, but I do still believe Maryland, FSU, and Alabama are schools that stick out to him. He is a 2015 prospect so he has plenty of time before making a decision, but Maryland will certainly be in the thick of his recruitment at the end of his recruitment. Auburn and Wake Forest have recently offered.
• Marcus Lewis and Jabari Greenwood were two more recruits to take in the game this weekend. Lewis was a one-time Virginia Tech commit, but he has made numerous visits to Maryland recently and he truly believes Maryland is on the rise. He wants to look at schools out west, but he has recently picked up offers from Florida, Florida State, Kentucky, Michigan State and Virginia, giving him 16 offers. The Crystal Ball indicates Virginia Tech and Clemson are leading, but I believe this is outdated and Maryland is at least “warm.”
• Adam McLean recently put out his top five, which consisted of Michigan State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Nebraska, and Pittsburgh, with Michigan State and Ohio State tied at the top. This list was surprising as he once had Maryland and Florida State at the top of his list, but neither made his top five. South Carolina just offered the young defensive lineman from Quince Orchard and he will have many more schools coming his way this summer.
• I spoke to Vernard Roberts, running back from ASA College. Maryland had been recruiting his brother and him, Vance Roberts, to come to Maryland. Vernard had some kind words for Maryland, but stated that if he had to give all schools a fair shot, Utah State would be his first pick and Maryland would be a close second. With the commitment from Daniel Ezeagwu, Vance Roberts is likely not expected to strongly consider Maryland, thus crossing off Vernard Roberts. That being said, unexpected transfers and the upcoming decisions from Cohen and Prince may give both prospects committable offers.

Below are the new offers to the 2015 prospects considering Maryland:

• Auburn offered Isaiah Prince yesterday.
• Ole Miss offered Kai Locksley last week.
• Cincinnati and Illinois offered Ryan Buchholz.
• Clemson offered Johnathan Sutton.
• NC State offered Marcus Lewis today.