MM 11.19: Recruiting dead period extended through April 15 across all sports

On Wednesday, the NCAA Division I Council extended the recruiting dead period across Division I sports through April 15. Previously set to end January 1, the extension adds another three and a half months where there will be no in-person recruiting.

“The COVID-19 numbers are not trending in the right direction for the Council to allow in-person recruiting and the associated long-distance travel for coaches, prospective student-athletes and their families,” said Council chair M. Grace Calhoun, per an NCAA statement.

By the time April 15 comes around, it will have been around 13 months since the start of the pandemic. It is an extremely unfortunate situation for everyone involved in the recruiting process. Coaches, just like any other profession, have had to adjust their recruiting approaches due to the pandemic.

On the flip side, it is equally tough for prospective student-athletes, as well. There is great potential that high schoolers that graduate in 2021 will have never taken an official visit to the campus of their choice until enrolling. Virtual recruiting, including telephone calls and video calls, has taken on greater importance in the absence of official in-person visits.

In Other News

Lila wrote about former Terp Jalen Smith’s new landing spot as he was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the tenth overall pick.

With the start of men’s basketball season just six days away, Henry took a look at Maryland’s nonconference schedule, while Wesley dove into the Big Ten slate.

Mark Turgeon congratulated Smith and Anthony Cowan Jr. as they begin their professional careers.

Jalen Smith thanked the Maryland fan base ahead of achieving his NBA dreams Tuesday night.

Maryland celebrated what would have been the 57th birthday of one of the best college basketball players ever in Maryland legend Len Bias.

Galin Smith looks to leave a major impact for Maryland as he enters this upcoming season.

With COVID-19 cases still lurking throughout the program, Maryland football did not practice yesterday and a decision surrounding Saturday’s game awaits.

Maryland women’s basketball reflected on a dominant road win at South Carolina from two years ago.

Outfielder Randy Bednar is looking forward to his senior year for Maryland baseball.