4-star OG Richard Merritt recaps his visit to Maryland, talks recruitment

Archbishop Carroll (D.C.) OG Richard Merritt is certainly a capable fit on the offensive line, a position Maryland would like to continue to stock up on as it presses on in Big Ten play. Measuring in at a mountainous 6'5, 345 pounds, Merritt walked away from a recent inter-squad scrimmage impressed with the Terrapins.

"I really like Maryland," he said. "They're definitely high on my list. I like how close they are to home.

"It was pretty nice up there. I was able to see their improvement from last year and I think they'll be better this year in the Big Ten."

Merritt's brother Jamal was recruited to New Mexico by then-head coach Mike Locksley, currently Maryland's offensive coordinator. He has a good relationship with the Terps' ace recruiter, which could help give Maryland an inside edge on his recruitment.

"I think he's a really cool guy. He's a really good person," he said. "I ask my brother questions about him like how is he as a person. He says that he's the type of person that will take care of you and look out for you."

Since flipping from Penn State, Maryland signee Adam McLean has played an active role in the Terps' recruitment of local athletes. Merritt is no exception.

"He's been telling me how good the school is. He's been giving me reasons on why it would be good for me to come there," Merritt said. "He talks about academics and football at Maryland. He doesn't encourage me to rush to commit, but he talks about it. We're really good friends and would like to go to school together. We'll see."

Merritt, the third-best offensive guard in the country according to the 247Sports Composite, holds offers from virtually every powerhouse program in Division 1. As far as future visits are concerned, Merritt is trying to go to Florida State on his spring break, which he is currently on.

Having been selected to the 2016 Under Armour All-American game on Jan. 2, Merritt is using it as a target date to set up a final decision, but plans to narrow down his list by the start of his senior season.