What’s Next For Maryland Football Recruiting?

Sep 14, 2013; East Hartford, CT, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Randy Edsall celebrates with defensive back Dexter McDougle (25) after McDougle ran an interception back for a touchdown against the Connecticut Huskies during the second half at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

After Middletown offensive lineman Will McClain committed to Maryland on Tuesday afternoon, the Terrapins 2015 recruiting class is 23rd in the nation on 247Sports. It seemed like Maryland went through a dry spell after four-star Linganore offensive lineman E.J. Donahue committed back in October, but the staff has reaped the benefits of tough work on the recruiting trail. So now the question remains, what’s next?

• Friendship Collegiate Academy offensive guard Quarvez Boulware: The Friendship Collegiate Academy offensive lineman seemed destined for College Park during his junior season, but has since seen his recruitment skyrocket. He currently has Wake Forest, North Carolina, Florida and Maryland at the top, but will take a number of visits in the near future. Boulware told me that the Tar Heels aee recruiting him at defensive tackle or offensive guard, the only school recruiting him at both positions. Maryland does seem in good shape, but it seems that the Terps have a lot of competition to bring another lineman to College Park.
• Gilman quarterback Kai Locksley: I’ll put it simply, it’s time to move on from Locksley. Although he is the son of offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, Don Markus of the Baltimore Sun did a great story on how complicated the relationship may become if he comes to College Park. And it is not helping Maryland’s case that Florida State is making a big impression on him. You can read the article here. He’s likely Florida State bound unless something crazy happens.
• Woodbridge (VA) athlete Mike Majette: The Virginia athlete told me he has a top three of North Carolina, Boston College, and Maryland. Majette likes the fact that “it’s close to home and I have a chance to represent the DMV. Also, I like the fact that Maryland is entering the Big Ten and that they have a great business school.” Majette did confirm that Boston College and Maryland have a “leg up” in his recruitment, but I like Maryland’s chances here. One thing to keep an eye on is a Tar Heel offer. That will immediately make UNC the favorite.
• Gonzaga defensive back Marcus Lewis: Lewis has said that Maryland will receive an official visit and that they’re number two on his list. However, Florida’s staff may need to get fired in order for Lewis ends up in College Park. Over the summer, I thought that Lewis was destined for Maryland, but his love for the Gators is just too much for Maryland to overcome. However, the Terps do have the best chance if Lewis does decommit. And with one of the best closers in recruiting in Locksley, I wouldn’t rule out Lewis just yet, but Maryland is on the outside looking in with him.
• McDonough inside linebacker Wyatt Cook: A source told me that Cook “loves Maryland, but he’s just not ready to pull the trigger yet.” With Thursday’s commitment from Gus Little, that could deter Cook from committing, but I think eventually he will become a Terp. He is very close with 2014 signee Josh Woods and a chance to play home for a rising program will end up putting him over the top. Look for Cook to make his commitment over summer or during the fall season at the latest.
• Atlantic Coast (FL) WR David Gardner: Gardner was a recruit that wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell began to recruit months ago. Since then, Gardner has told me that his coach has told him Maryland has been on him “From what my head coach told me, they’re really excited about me and love the player I am.” Gardner added he will visit Maryland on June 28 followed by a visit to Florida, which has not been set yet. Right now, Gardner says that he is open, but my gut tells me Maryland is going to be a major player with him due to his relationship and the NFL history of McCardell.