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In the wake of attainable locals like Greg Pyke and Trey Edmunds (Ferrell's son) committing elsewhere, Maryland football recruitniks could really use some good news. I'm not sure this is exactly what the doctor ordered, but it's definitely a step in the right direction: five-star defensive end Noah Spence from Harrisburg, PA, cut his list to 7 today. Guess who was on it?
Finalists for five star Noah Spence according to his dad are #PennState, #UNC, #Florida, #NCState, #NotreDame, #Maryland and #SouthernCal
Pretty hefty competition there, particularly with Penn State and Florida, which are supposedly the big contenders (the Gators especially). Although, avoiding Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina, et al., was a pretty nice surprise.
Regardless, the general consensus throughout his recruitment has been that Maryland is a sleeper; his relationship with Greg Gattuso is the big ticket here, and gives the Terps a fighting shot. But things don't really just stop there. I've been told that Spence's dad likes Maryland quite a bit, which, if true, would presumably make the Terps one of the big players.
Landing Spence - who's five stars on ESPN, Rivals, and Scout, the Worldwide Leader's #4 prospect in the country, and Scout's top DE in the nation - would be a pretty massive boost to a recruiting class that looks exceedingly average. He's instant impact good: a great athlete with good size, he's perhaps the nation's best pure pass rusher. Stick him into a defensive line that already contains David Mackall and Clarence Murphy, and the pass-rushing possibilities are impressive.
Just as important would be what a commitment would do to the recruitments of guys like Stefon Diggs, Cyrus Jones, and Eddie Goldman. A place always looks more attractive when you can show off a top-5 player in the window. And who knows? Maybe Goldman, the best DT in the nation, might like to play next to Spence. I get weak just thinking about it.
But, of course, we're a long ways out from any of that. I'd be surprised if Maryland wasn't in the top tier of that final 7 based on what I've heard, but when the top tier also includes Florida, well, it goes without saying that you shouldn't get your hopes up. Still, if we can get excited about Mitch McGary, I say we get excited about this, too.