Maryland football recruiting: '15 athlete Jake Pickard to attend Junior Day

Hatchling Huddle is a recurring series wherein we talk to high school players recruited by Maryland or coaches who have Maryland recruits.

Jake Pickard is an intriguing prospect for the Maryland Terrapins as a 6'6" defensive end, and with that interest will come a visit to College Park for Junior Day.

Listed at 6'6" and 219 pounds, the three-star tight end out of Millburn Senior (N.J.) High School has seen his stock rise since moving over to defensive end, where Maryland is recruiting him.

"I had a good season," he said. "I just moved positions right before the season started, so it took me a few weeks to adjust, but after that, I got more comfortable and began to get into a groove."

Pickard was honest about his knowledge of Maryland -- up until this past season, he hadn't watched too much of Terps, but he did love the campus at College Park.

"My friend goes to Maryland and the campus is great," he said. "I loved everything about it. I caught a lot of the Maryland games this year, and that is a team I could see myself playing for. That defense seemed to play so well, and when everything clicked, it was fun to watch, and teams seemed to not be able to stop them."

While Pickard has yet to pick up an offer, that could be coming soon, as he has been in contact with quite a few teams, including Maryland. The Terps see him as a defensive end, and he could make an impact on the defensive side of the ball.

"Coach Dudzkinski has been talking to me," he said. "He has talked to me about how I fit into coach Stewarts schemes. They really like my motor and how quickly I fly off the ball."

While Maryland is a school Pickard could certainly see himself at, there are other schools that have been in contact and interest the big defensive end.

"Virginia, Michigan, Penn State, and Ohio State are teams that catch my eye," he said. "I have talked a bit with the Ohio State coach and that is a place I could see myself. Right now, Maryland is a place I can certainly see myself playing at as well."

It will be interesting to see how the coming months go for Pickard in terms of offers. While currently sitting at none, that should change soon.