Maryland football recruiting: Three-star OL Ellis McKennie commits to the Terps

Local prospect Ellis McKennie will join the Terrapins' offensive line in 2015 after accepting Maryland's offer. The offensive guard announced his collegiate choice on Twitter Wednesday evening.

The 6'3", 285-pound guard is considered a three-star player and the ninth-best prospect in the state of Maryland, according to 247sports composite. He used his power in the trenches to help the McDonogh School - ranked No. 2 in the state and home to fellow Maryland target Wyatt Cook - cruise to an undefeated season last year.

McKennie used that same strength as a shot put competitor the last two years on McDonogh's track and field team. He placed first in the 12-pound shot put event of the MIAA/IAAM Championship during his sophomore year on junior varsity, and fifth in the same event last season at his first meet.

Maryland beat out offers from Marshall and Rutgers as well as a late push by Penn State for McKennie's pledge. Following the Terps' Feb. 17 offer, the junior unofficially visited College Park twice before making the decision.

McKennie joins four-star offensive lineman E.J. Donahue and three-star running back Deltron Sands (who committed just days before) as members of Maryland's Class of 2015.

Check out McKennie's junior highlights.