Catching Up With Maryland OL Commit Mason Zimmerman

Oct 4, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; The Maryland Terrapins players take the field for their first BIG 10 conference game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

In the rash of the all the commitments in Maryland 2015 class, one that may have flown under the radar was a three-star offensive lineman from Ohio. Mason Zimmerman is one of fifteen commits in the 2015 class, and like the other commits have mentioned, he has bought into Maryland’s bright future.

“I committed to Maryland because they have a great coaching staff, it’s a bunch of great guys. Coach Dudzinski is very knowledgable and I think I can learn a lot from him. I think he puts me in a great position to try and get me to the next level. The campus is beautiful. It just felt right for me.” A high-IQ lineman, Maryland has made it a priority to shore up the offensive line once the news broke the Terps would enter the Big Ten. Zimmerman believes his ability to learn offensive schemes quickly will help his adjustment when he comes to College Park. “I’m going to try and learn the offense as quickly as possible. I’ll be able to understand how it should look, work, and who should go where on each play.”

Zimmerman mentioned that the majority of schools have backed off, except for one. “Air Force still contacts me every once in a while, but I’m sold on Maryland.” He added he will try to make the trip up to Ann Arbor to see the Terps take on Michigan in their last road game of the season. “I’m also going to take my official visit sometime in December after my season is over.”

So what does Zimmerman think of Maryland 4-2 overall record and 1-1 conference record at the halfway mark? “I’m impressed how the offense has handled tough defenses. I’m really impressed how the offense is playing. Moving forward, I think they have a chance to do well this season in the Big Ten.”

Zimmerman made the trip to College Park this past weekend for the Ohio State game, and got to meet a couple commits. What excited him was his opportunity to bolster a young, talented offensive line. “We have big size coming, they’re good boys to be up front with. Over time, we’ll come together and play as a unit.”

It’s easy to fall in love with Zimmerman’s game. Skilled lineman that has the size and strength to hold his block, good in pass protection and mobile in run protection, and yet he hasn’t even reached his full potential. Along with EJ Donahue and Will McClain, Maryland locked up a sleeper athlete from the middle of Big Ten country.

While Zimmerman’s 6’5″ frame gives the Terps another big body up front, Zimmerman is one of many in this recruiting class that have tremendous character. Speaking with a number of recruits in this class, you pick up on their hunger, dedication and maturity, three characteristics that every coach, regardless of sport, wants on their team. It’s guys like Zimmerman that will make this team more hungry and focused as they progress through their Big Ten careers.