Devin Leary’s commitment to NC State makes Maryland’s QB recruiting picture a little clearer

Maryland football will miss out on one of its 2018 quarterback targets, as New Jersey gunslinger Devin Leary committed to NC State Thursday afternoon.

Leary is the fifth commit to the Wolfpack for 2018. After landing the No. 15 pro-style quarterback and No. 10 prospect in New Jersey, NC State’s class jumps up to No. 23 in the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Throughout the winter, Maryland and Leary appeared to be a good fit for each other. The Terps appear to be only looking to take one quarterback in this class, and Leary had etched his name into the New Jersey record books as a junior with 3,688 passing yards and 48 touchdown passes.

The good news for the Terps is that they offered Bishop Sullivan four-star dual-threat quarterback Tyler DeSue in February, and following a visit in late March, Maryland looks to be in his final group of schools. He received six Crystal Balls to Maryland in the three days following his visit, including one from InsideMDSports’ Ahmed Ghafir, who’s typically pretty accurate with his predictions.

With Leary off the board, DeSue is the clear-cut top target for Maryland at quarterback. His ability to throw and create opportunity with his legs makes him a great fit for Walt Bell’s offense.

DeSue would enter a growing line of succession of local blue-chip quarterbacks at Maryland. Caleb Henderson, a former four-star recruit from Virginia, transferred to the program last season, and 2017 four-star St. John’s quarterback Kasim Hill signed with the Terps in February.