The Terrapins football team lost two of its highest-rated recruits Monday when quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. announced via Twitter he and linebacker Keandre Jones switched their commitments to Ohio State.
Keandre and I are like brothers. Blessed to say he’s family and joining me at Ohio State #BuckeyeNation pic.twitter.com/9lgLxVuX7E
— Dwayne Haskins, Jr ♚ (@dh_simba7) January 18, 2016
Haskins and Jones are two of the top 10 recruits in Maryland, according to multiple recruiting services.
Haskins, who verbally committed to the Terps in May, is one of the top high school quarterbacks in the nation, and he was expected to compete for the starting job next fall. Haskins often tweeted about the DMV-to-UMD recruiting movement. But with a new coaching staff in place, Haskins’ commitment this offseason appeared to waver as he took visits to other schools.
He made it official Monday.
It’s been a blessing from God to be in this position. Today is #MLKDay he had a dream here’s mine… https://t.co/d9LD88Bimd
— Dwayne Haskins, Jr ♚ (@dh_simba7) January 18, 2016
Jones, meanwhile, committed to the Terps in December 2014, but the Good Counsel product opted to leave with Haskins to Ohio State. Both are consensus four-star recruits.
The Terps new coach, DJ Durkin, has secured commitments from two four-star offensive lineman since taking over. Other recruits have de-committed, though, as they adjust to a completely new coaching staff. Durkin and his staff have also appeared to retain four-star wide receiver Tino Ellis. The DeMatha star committed to the Terps this summer.
Haskins was the Terps’ sole quarterback recruit, though three-star quarterback Lindsey Scott Jr. did tweet out Monday that he received an offer from the Terps.
This past season, signal-callers Perry Hills and Caleb Rowe combined to start all 12 games and threw 28 interceptions. The Terps were last in the nation with 29 interceptions. Without Haskins, Hills and Rowe will likely compete for the starting job next season. Both will be fifth-year seniors.
