Maryland football coaches hosted many local prospects during the Big Show camp at Byrd Stadium this weekend. One that came away with positive reviews is Delaware linebacker Jalen Bond. Bond has yet to receive an offer from the Terrapins, but holds a high opinion of the program.
"I got some good work in with the position coaches," he said. "They taught me some good lessons on working on my hands and technique and all that. It was good. I got better."
Growing up in Maryland, Bond has obtained a sense of familiarity with the Terrapin coaching staff and university as a whole. The 6'0, 195-pound linebacker has had opportunities to see the ongoing transition to Big Ten and the academic prowess of the university, and after thorough research throughout his recruitment, Bond has come away impressed.
"Well, I've always loved Maryland because that's my hometown state," said Bond. "They're one of the few schools to have architecture. That's really a driving factor right there, and they're close to home. Plus football added to it really checks off all the boxes."
If an offer came through for Bond, Maryland fans could safely expect to add him to the commitment list.
"I would drop everything and probably commit on the spot, that's my favorite school," he said. "I've learned they are high on academics, and even with the football team, I know they don't mess around when it comes to grades. They have strict GPA regulations and the environment is just awesome. Everybody is so relaxed and chill. It's nice that everything is so open, but everyone gets their work done.
Bond, a senior-to-be at Delcastle Vo-Tech high school, is very much in tune with what Maryland commit Dwayne Haskins has been advocating to local standouts. The prospect hopes to hear his name amongst the "Stay Home Movement" campaign.
"I think with (Haskins) committing, it sets the stage up. I know Tino [Ellis]'s trying to go and Trevon [Diggs] is also trying to commit. He's trying to get those two guys. There are a couple of defensive linemen that are trying to go. There is definitely a movement and I think it's going to happen. I would say by 2016, 2017 they'll have a strong class and I want to be a part of it."
Bond, who is not rated by 247Sports, has been in continuous conversations with Maryland, but there are other schools involved as well.
"The other main one that stands out is Temple because it almost offers the same thing. They have architecture as well, and a pretty nice football program. Also, Towson is involved. Monmoth is also involved, but they've shown slight interest, but not major.
The prospect is gearing up for a busy July, as he plans on attending more camps throughout next month.
"With visits, I'm not sure, but the camps I'm going to are all in July. Temple is on the 25th, and Towson is July 19th. I'm also looking to go to the Monmoth camp on the 26th. They sent something in the mail."
As Bond stated, if Maryland were to offer, expect an early commitment. If his recruitment is prolonged, Bond has an idea of when he'd like to announce but knows everything is open for consideration.
"It depends on who offers me. I want to weigh my options first, but if one school offers me and I really want to go to that school, I'll commit right there. There is no sense in waiting if that's the school I really want. As far as a commitment date, I aim for my senior season."