Maryland’s football season starts in 71 days. Until then, we’re profiling each and every player on the roster.
Damian Prince, offensive tackle
Height: 6’3
Weight: 328 pounds
Year: Sophomore
High School: Bishop McNamara HS (Md.)
How Prince got to College Park
Prince was a highly-touted five-star recruit, rated the No. 2 offensive tackle in the class of 2014 and the No. 1 player in Maryland, according to the 247Sports Composite.
One of the most dominant offensive lineman in the country, Prince earned multiple All-American honors coming out of Bishop McNamara; he was also a two-time Maryland Consensus All-State selection, two-time first team All-WCAC selection and two-time Washington Post first team All-Met selection. He was also selected to participate in the 2014 Under Armour All-America Game.
Randy Edsall and the Terps beat out Florida and a host of other big schools for his services in February of 2014.
Here’s video from the big moment:
McNamara OL Damian Prince commits to Maryland. Big get for #Terps #allmets https://t.co/3AaEndkzv8
— Brandon Parker (@brandoncparker) February 5, 2014
According to the Washington Post, Prince said he chose Maryland, the first school to offer him a scholarship, because he wanted to find the college that would best serve him down the line.
"You know, one thing I started noticing at the end of my recruitment was, after the cameras turn off, after the lights go down, who’s really going to be there for you," said Prince, a Parade All-American. "I felt like at the University of Maryland, I had the best relationship with them and their coaching staff."
A career highlight
Last season, Prince regularly helped pave the way for Maryland’s big rushing performances, including Perry Hills' 170 yards against Ohio State (a Maryland quarterback record) and the team's 401 rushing yards in the season finale against Rutgers.
2016 prospectus
The former five-star recruit is coming off of a great debut season, as he consistently started at right tackle. Prince will reclaim his starting role and look to retain his spot in 2016, lining up with Mike Minter and Michael Dunn.
Although the future remains bright for this young and talented group, there will be a bit of competition from Derwin Gray and given their performances in the fall, the coaching staff could have a decision to make. Prince has spent time at both tackle and guard, so it’ll be interesting to see whether or not new offensive line coach Dave Borbely moves him inside.
What a dream season might look like
Prince keeps starting at right tackle and goes on to become a stalwart for Maryland’s offensive line. He shows more of his five-star potential from last year, and helps elevate the Terps' running game to another level.
Up next in the series…
Our next subject came to Maryland because of "unconditional love for the school"
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