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Charles Mitchell Sends in LOI, Officially a Terp (Plus Other Recruiting Notes)

By Ben Broman
March 4, 2012; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Mark Turgeon prior to the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Comcast Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE
March 4, 2012; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins head coach Mark Turgeon prior to the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Comcast Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE

Not that there was ever any real doubt on this matter, but Georgia big man Charles Mitchell sent in his Letter of Intent to the Maryland earlier today, officially solidifying his status as a Terrapin.

Again, I was never worried about Mitchell - but then, I was never worried about Terrence Ross or Justin Anderson, either, and they happened, so it's good to get it officially done. The official site has a good number of quotes from him about the commitment, and Bino Ranson in particular gets high marks:

"First of all it's a great coaching staff with Coach Turgeon, Coach Bino, Coach Hill and Coach Spinelli. I have a great relationship with them. I've known Coach Bino since I was 14-years-old since he came to our school to recruit other players... I love the fan support and the whole history of Maryland basketball. I wanted to come to a school that supports basketball and where the team is important to the fans."

Quoth Mark Turgeon: "Bino thinks he could recruit God." I'd settle for the Harrison Twins, myself.

As for the final(?) member of the class, Damonte Dodd: he hasn't signed yet, says Prisbell at the Post. He seems solidly a Terp, though, and with the LOI period not ending til mid-May there's obviously no rush. I initially assumed it might be an indication of his eligibility status, but upon further review I'd be surprised if that had any actual impact with signing. Our friends at IMS are teasing a "when Dodd will sign his LOI" being a paywall, so it seems likely that it's a matter of when and not if.

If Dodd's not the last member of the class, it's likely that Sam Cassell Jr. will be. Per the Tampa Tribune, Cassell the Younger will be visiting USF next weekend. The good news: USF is likely the only real threat to Maryland in this recruitment (Pitt is also on the list), so at least it should be over, for better or for worse, before too long.

Update, 4:30: Per Ben Standig, Cassell Jr.'s decision will come down next week. Fingers crossed.

The only other truly active recruitment for Maryland at the moment seems to be Evan Smotrycz, and his status is the same as ever: his visit to College Park this weekend is still on. If you see a 6-9 guy with a mop-top, spread the good word.

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