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Maybe recruiting is too much hype, too much trying to read between the lines on high schoolers’ tweets and spur-of-the-moment interview answers. Maybe Adam McLean knows all of this and he’s just messing with all of us.
But perhaps more than any other local prospect to recruit to Maryland in recent history, McLean seems dedicated to making the long-awaited stay-at-home movement become a reality. The 2015 defensive end is open about his desire to convince the top local recruits to stay at home and the four-star prospect’s commitment to the program grabbed the attention of nearly every player with any sort of interest in the Terrapins.
I just thought about it UMD got more commits at the UA game people just don't know
— *Next Level* (@MoneyMakeinAdam) December 28, 2014
McLean is down in Florida for the Under Armour All-America Game, although he won’t play because of a knee injury. Still, he’s busy recruiting some of the Terps targets there in St. Petersburg for the event and even if there are no commitments on Friday, McLean feels good about his future team's chances at landing some of the nation's top players.
The game itself doesn't feature many prospective Terrapins, but there are still some players to keep an eye on this weekend.
2015 prospects
Marcus Lewis, WR/CB
Gonzaga College High School — Washington
Maryland isn’t considered much of a player for Lewis, but he’s a local kid and McLean has vowed to go after everyone who’s local and the 6-foot-1, 187-pound athlete did visit College Park in November. He’s a definite long shot.
Byron Cowart, DE
Armwood High School — Seffner, Fla.
Cowart recently released a top three that doesn't feature Maryland, but he has a good relationship with McLean and the Terps commit seems bent on getting Cowart to come to College Park with him.
Byron Cowart Chris Clark Haskins Big Gary Shaq Smith Richard Merritt just wait until I get there couple more days until the heat gets on
— *Next Level* (@MoneyMakeinAdam) December 28, 2014
Chris Clark, TE
Avon Old Farms — Avon, Conn.
Clark visited Maryland in March and now is another of McLean's targets. He recently told MLive.com that Jim Harbaugh's return to Michigan as head coach would give the Wolverines a jolt, so that's the popular prediction at this point.
Kai Locksley, ATH
Gilman School — Baltimore
Once upon a time, Locksley was considered Maryland’s potential quarterback of the future. Now, he’s neither a quarterback nor destined for College Park. Locksley committed to Florida State in July. However, he's reportedly considering visiting the Terrapins and Texas, and Maryland could still be in play.
2016 prospects
Rahshaun Smith, DE
St. Frances Academy — Baltimore
The more recognizable names to follow this weekend come from the Elite 50 Combine that features underclassmen. Smith, the highest rated player from Maryland in the Class of 2016, still has a broad list of schools he’s considering. Nothing is imminent for the pass rusher.
Richard Merritt, G
Archbishop Carroll High School — Washington
It's early in the process for Merritt and right now 247sports' crystal ball reads 100 percent for Alabama. But Merritt did visit Maryland in September and momentum has only built for the Terrapins. A weekend with McLean could have an effect.
Rashan Gary, DT
Paramus Catholic High School — Scotch Plains, N.J.
Gary also projects as a Crimson Tide lean and also has interest in Penn State. He took a visit to College Park in October, too, and plays the same position as McLean, albeit in a younger class. He's the "Big Gary" mentioned before.
Shane Simmons, DE/LB
DeMatha Catholic High School — Hyattsville
Simmons is committed to Penn State and has a good relationship with McLean from the time the two spent together as Nittany Lion commits. He's stated that he still firmly intends to play for PSU, but it's hard to totally rule out the Terps, especially if UMD gets a few more commitments in the Class of 2016, including...
Dwayne Haskins, QB
Bullis School — Potomac
This is the ever-present name and the most likely player McLean is referencing with his cryptic message. The four-star quarterback trimmed his list to Notre Dame, Ohio State and UMD on Thursday, which means he probably won’t be committing anywhere this weekend. There is, however, an air of confidence around the program that Haskins will be a Terp. McLean feels good about it, too, and since Haskins is a quarterback there's a good chance he pledges some time soon.