Hatchling Huddle is a recurring series where we talk to high school players recruited by Maryland or coaches who have Maryland recruits.
DeMatha Catholic High School is a football powerhouse, and, based in Hyattsville, it's less than two miles away from Maryland's Campus in College Park. The Terps have had trouble bringing in talent from the school in recent times, however -- Michael Williams (class of 2011) was the last DeMatha player to pledge to Maryland, and he never ended up playing a down at the school.
That may change soon, however, as DeMatha athlete Tyler Green is being recruited heavily by the Terps -- but his recruitment is set to pick up soon after an impressive showing at this weekend's NFTC. Green received a coveted invite to The Opening, a prestigious showcase for high school recruits, as a result of his performance, and SB Nation's Bud Elliott was able to catch up with the recruit.
Originally listed as a tight end and later a safety, Green says he's now being recruited as a cornerback by a list of schools, including Maryland. The Terrapins have been targeting lengthy corners in recent classes (see: Jalen Tabor and Daniel Ezeagwu), and at 6'3 and 185 pounds, he certainly fits that bill.
Maryland joins Indiana, NC State and UNC-Charlotte as Green's offers, but he told us West Virginia and Ohio State may be close, with the Buckeyes as a big potential suitor if they decide to extend a scholarship offer. Green is considered a three-star prospect by the 247sports composite, and has also received interest from powerhouse programs like Alabama and Florida State.
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"Top school I would say is probably Ohio State," he said. "I'm really working on getting up there. Talking with Coach [Larry] Johnson up there, so hopefully if I get up there, we'll see what happens."
Green said his main recruiter at Maryland is offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, who has been "harping" on the prospect to get up to College Park and commit. The DeMatha product says there is a lot to like about the Terrapin program.
"Stefon Diggs being right around the corner, and being at DeMatha it's right around the corner as well, so I stay up there," he said. "They keep in touch a lot, so it's a great thing. That's what I like about them, they always come around the corner, so that's great."
Despite limited success in head coach Dave Doeren's first year, NC State has been a major factor in Green's recruitment early.
"I've been down there about four times," he said. "I love the coaches, Coach Doeren. I've been to about two games, I didn't get a chance to get to the spring game, but i love the campus, I love the fan base."
Green says he will make his decision in June or July, before his senior season, and will then take his five official visits to solidify his choice.
"I just want it to feel like I'm at home, feel like I have a family who's going to take care of me," he said. "With my parents being here, I'm going to be away, so I just want to have a father-son relationship with these coaches and hopefully get early playing time as well."