Maryland football misses top 4 for 5-star IMG Academy DE Joshua Kaindoh

Joshua Kaindoh, a five-star 2017 defensive end and one of the consensus top high school football players in the country, apparently won't be coming to Maryland. Despite recent reporting linking him to the Terps, Kaindoh on Wednesday announced a top-four list of Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame and Michigan.

Thank you to every school that has offered me with an opportunity to attend their University, but here is my Top 4. pic.twitter.com/uWdsj7CsYH

— Joshua Kaindoh (@_jkaindoh) April 21, 2016

Maryland is a surprising omission, and a few observers have been incredulous that the Terps aren't included. But a source said Wednesday night that Kaindoh-to-Maryland pegs were just "opinion" and that nothing unusual has gone on.

Kaindoh played his first two high school seasons at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Essex, Md. He transferred afterward to Florida's IMG Academy, the football factory where Maryland coach DJ Durkin has tried hard to lay a foundation since taking over in December. Kaindoh visited College Park on IMG's spring break in March, alongside recent Maryland defensive line commit Cam Spence and three other teammates.

From a physical perspective, Kaindoh is an uber-recruit. He is 6'6 and already listed at 256 pounds, giving him the kind of frame that should allow him to play well immediately in college. He can line up on either side of the formation, and he appears strong against the run and menacing against the pass.

Durkin made Kaindoh a priority quickly. He visited IMG days after taking Maryland's head coaching job, and Kaindoh showed interest from the start. He told SB Nation he planned to travel north from Florida after high school, and his top four – final four? – reflects that idea.

Large pockets of college football's recruiting community had expected Kaindoh to commit to Maryland – and to do it as soon as over the next few weeks. It isn't clear if Maryland felt the same way, but this is still tough news for the Terps.