Maryland football recruiting: Terps pursuing New Jersey back Myles Hartsfield for class of 2015

Hatchling Huddle is a recurring series where we talk to high school players recruited by Maryland or coaches who have Maryland recruits.

Maryland has targeted Myles Hartsfield, a running back out of Parlin, N.J., as a future weapon for the Terrapin backfield. The 6'0", 180 pound recruit could be the next threat on the ground for the Terps as Maryland moves to the Big Ten.

The three-star player is ranked as the 33^rdbest safety in the class of 2015 by the 247Sports composite as well as 13^th-best player in the state of New Jersey, but says the school wants to play him at running back. Hartsfield runs a 4.53 40, and says his speed and quickness are his greatest strengths, labeling himself as a speed guy.

"I'll break you down and shake you a little," Hartsfield said. "I feel like I'm a guy who, if we get to the corner, it's going to be a long day."

Several schools has taken notice of Hartsfield's talents. Rutgers, Cincinnati, Syracuse, Old Dominion, Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh have already offered him, he said. Hartsfield said of the offers he's received, Pittsburgh's has stood out to him, but he is still seriously considering all schools, including others that are yet to offer him, such as Maryland, Penn State, Boston College and Miami.

Hartsfield explained that what he wants most out of a school is a safe and welcoming environment.

"[I want] a school that cares about their players," Hartsfield said. "They're like one big family so my parents feel comfortable sending me there and I feel comfortable going there."

Hartsfield said he took two visits to Maryland, once last summer for a one-day camp and then again for Maryland's Junior Day in February. The second time around, he said he was able to meet all of the staff and see the locker room and enjoyed the experience. He said things have been going well with his lead recruiter, Keith Dudzinski, too.

"I've been talking to Dudzinski and he really likes me as a person and a player," he explained. "I've really started to get a good relationship with him."

He added the educational aspect of Maryland appeals to him.

"[Maryland has] a very good education which I got to see at the Junior Day," Hartsfield said. "The head coach gets an update on academics every Monday. That shows Edsall cares not only about football but education, too."

Hartsfield said he liked Maryland growing up and that the Terps' uniforms were part of what drew him in. Additionally, he added that Maryland wide receiver Stefon Diggs is a player he admires.

"I look up to Diggs," Hartsfield explained. "I watch a lot of YouTube of him. It's great to go to a college where of your favorite players goes to and where he starts."

When asked about what he thought of Maryland's move to the Big Ten, Hartsfield said it was a "big question."

"Maryland entering the Big Ten opens up opportunities for kids who want to play at the highest level," he said. "They're about to play with teams that are at the highest level tradition-wise."

Hartsfield said he hasn't made a list of favorite schools yet but plans on making one at some point this spring. He added he expects to make a final decision early this fall during the football season.

You can watch his highlight film here.