[Baltimore Sun] Incoming class of recruits moves Maryland football into ESPN’s Top 20
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While Maryland football endures its ups and downs this fall, the program is making progress off the field — especially in recruiting.
The Terps (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten) recently moved into ESPN’s national Top 20 rankings of schools’ incoming class of freshmen. They improved from No. 22 to No. 18.
According to ESPN, Maryland’s top offensive prospect is Jaylen Gilchrist, a 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive tackle who chose College Park over Georgia and South Carolina. The program’s top defensive recruit is Bryce Jenkins, a 6-5, 335-pound defensive tackle who bypassed Rutgers, South Carolina and Tennessee for the Terps. They have six players in ESPN’s Top 300.
ESPN cited Maryland’s ability to retain some top prospects in Maryland, Virginia and Washington as a key component to the program’s rise in the rankings. The sports network noted that Archbishop Spalding quarterback Malik Washington, Ridgely resident and cornerback Zymear Smith, North Potomac resident and running back Iverson Howard, Hyattsville resident and running back Bud Coombs, and Washington resident Jenkins chose to stay local.
“Good recruiting starts at home, and while it has been difficult to defend the DMV recruiting turf that surrounds the Terrapins, they have won some key battles to keep top talent at home,” ESPN wrote.
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Among Big Ten competition, Maryland’s incoming group ranks behind No. 2 Ohio State, No. 7 Oregon, No. 9 USC, No. 11 Penn State, No. 14 Michigan and No. 16 Washington.
Speaking of Malik Washington, he moved up in 247 Sports’ individual rankings. After debuting as a three-star recruit as a sophomore, he is the No. 50 player and the nation’s No. 5 quarterback as of Wednesday.
According to 247 Sports, Washington is 29-3 as a starter. With him under center, the Cavaliers are 8-0 this season, own a 14-game winning streak and are the prohibitive favorites to capture their third consecutive Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference championship.
Have a news tip? Contact Edward Lee at eklee@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/EdwardLeeSun.
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