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Shortly after attending prospect camp for the University of Maryland, defensive tackle prospect Keiron Howard knew he wanted to be playing football for the Terrapins in the near future. The 2015 three-star recruit, according to the 247sports composite, received his offer from Maryland Defensive Line Coach Chad Wilt during the spring semester.
Howard, after speaking with Wilt several times over the phone, got the chance to meet and work with him at the Terps' prospect camp. The rising senior at Potomac High School says he absorbed some techniques Wilt taught him that day.
"[The prospect camp] was good; I learned some things from coach Wilt," Howard said. "[He taught me] how to get off the ball quicker, get my hands forward and read blocks."
Howard says he remains in contact with Wilt two times a week to talk football and see how he is progressing.
The 6'4", 295-pound defensive lineman from Oxon Hill, Md., grew up rooting for the Terrapins' football team and loves that he will be close to home when he begins school there in two years.
"I wanted to stay home so my brothers and my mother could come to my games and watch me play," Howard said.
Howard also said Maryland changing conferences to the Big Ten made the decision for him to commit there a little easier.
"Maryland is going to be a better program," Howard said of the team's future. "They're going to the Big Ten so there will be better competition there. [The Big Ten] is a good conference."
The Maryland coaching staff has yet to see Howard play in a high school game, but they have seen his tape and seen him run through drills at the team's prospect camp.
Head Coach Randy Edsall will get his first look at Howard when Potomac takes on Suitland High School on Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium on September 6.
Howard says he is ready to join a talented defensive line that already contains Andre Monroe and Quinton Jefferson, with a big opening in the middle upon the impending departures of Keith Bowers and Darius Kilgo.
"I was excited when they offered me [a scholarship]," Howard said. "I really wanted to stay home and play for Maryland."