Durell Nchami commits to Maryland football: Terps land 3-star DE

Maryland has its long-awaited first commit for the class of 2018 ... again.

Three-star Paint Branch (Md.) weak-side defensive end Durell Nchami committed to Maryland on Monday night, he announced on Twitter.

The 2018 edition of DJ Durkin’s local recruiting push is officially underway. Not only is Nchami an area recruit, but as a pass rusher, he also fills a position of need. In the last recruiting cycle, Maryland missed out on local targets Chase Young and Joshua Kaindoh. His athleticism could allow him to play a more traditional linebacker spot as well, if needed down the road.

Maryland was the first to offer the 6’3, 205-pound defensive end when they reached out on Jan. 4. He’s picked up seven other offers since then from the likes of Temple, Pittsburgh, Syracuse and Virginia. Nchami is the No. 20-ranked player in Maryland, per the 247Sports Composite.

Nchami’s commitment is the second Maryland has received in the Class of 2018. Three-star linebacker Eriq Gilyard committed to Maryland in November, but reopened his commitment in January.

Experts have forecasted Nchami to Maryland for about three weeks now, as he picked up two Crystal Balls in late February.