Maryland received a potential program-changing commitment Friday, as high four-star local quarterback Dwayne Haskins has committed to the Terps in a ceremony at his high school. The 2016 Bullis (Md.) star chose Maryland over fellow finalists Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame, Penn State, Rutgers and Virginia Tech, among many other offers.
Haskins is considered a four-star recruit by the 247Sports Composite, ranking as the 61st-best player in the country, the fifth-best pro-style quarterback in the class and the second-best player in the state of Maryland. He was named the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year this past season after throwing 22 touchdowns against five interceptions while leading Bullis to the Interstate Athletic Conference title.
With two years of eligibility remaining from expected starter Caleb Rowe, an elite quarterback in the 2016 class is a perfect gift for Maryland (and its young and talented offensive line). Haskins has a prime opportunity to compete for the starting job as soon as he steps on campus, and the skills to potentially win it when he gets there.
Haskins is the Terps' eighth commitment in the class, and the seventh from the state of Maryland. The quarterback has apparently been a driving force in the movement to keep local players home, and more commitments are expected to follow. We'll have more on what his commitment means for the program on and off the field soon.