Coach DJ Durkin is off to a strong start in his first year in College Park, as the Maryland football team already has two more wins than they did last season under former coach Randy Edsall.
The Terps’ recruiting landscape has improved, too.
Maryland’s 2017 class ranks 14th in the nation and third in the Big Ten, according to 247sports.
As the Mid-Atlantic recruiting analyst for Rivals.com, Adam Friedman knows plenty about the players committed to the Terps program. He recognizes Durkin’s instant impact, but cautions Terps fans to stymie their expectations.
“One year doesn’t make a trend,” Friedman said. “They need to, over the years, keep these guys in the area and that’ll prove the trend.”
Still, Friedman understands the excitement of having a recruiting class on pace to be the program’s highest since 247sports began their team rankings in 1999.
“This class is phenomenal, especially considering where they were a year ago,” Friedman said. “They played the hand they were dealt and have played it pretty perfectly.”
The Diamondback spoke with Friedman to gain more insight into the players who will join the Terps next season.
5-star Defensive End Josh Kaindoh
Friedman has known Kaindoh before the five-star player got his first offer from Florida State. Since then, Friedman said he has seen Kaindoh grow immensely, both in terms of body size and football intellect.
“He has a tremendous arsenal of moves,” Friedman said. “Josh is extremely coordinated and fluid for his size.”
Friedman noticed Kaindoh’s talent before he transferred to IMG Academy for his junior season but said the defensive end has since made “tremendous progress.” While Friedman can’t pinpoint Kaindoh’s ceiling once he arrives in College Park, he expects the Essex native to make significant contributions.
4-star Quarterback Kasim Hill
So far this season, Friedman has enjoyed seeing offensive coordinator Walt Bell’s up-tempo system rejuvenate the Terps offense. While quarterback Perry Hills has been doing an adequate job, Friedman envisions Hill as a great fit for Bell’s attack.
“He’s just another threat for Walt and that fast offense,” Friedman said.
Friedman said Hill’s ability to get rid of the ball quickly and throw on the run make him the dual-threat quarterback Terps fans thought they had entering this season before Dwayne Haskins decommitted and signed with Ohio State, Plus, Friedman said Hill has improved on seeing the field while in the pocket.
Friedman would like Hill to limit his interceptions, many of which came as a result of throwing into coverage. He also said Hill needs to work on finding open receivers down field while scrambling out of the pocket.
4-star Defensive Lineman Cam Spence
While Friedman concedes that Kaindoh is the better overall prospect, he likes what he has seen out of Spence. Friedman then saw Spence compete Sept. 30 as St. John’s College High School took on DeMatha Catholic High School, and Spence’s performance reassured Friedman’s feelings about him.
Friedman views Spence as a versatile lineman, though he may be too small to play defensive tackle. Still, Friedman said he’ll be effective rushing the passer or stopping the run. He also believes Spence will benefit from playing alongside Kaindoh.
“Don’t discount their chemistry either,” Friedman said. “I know Cam and Josh are close, as are their families.”
4-star Cornerback Deon Jones
From Friedman’s research, Durkin and defensive backs coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim have been searching for big bodies with long arms in the secondary.
“Jones fit’s their secondary mold perfectly,” Friedman said.
Jones has potential to play cornerback or safety in Friedman’s eyes, bringing versatility as well as size. Friedman believes Jones will be able to toughen up the Terps secondary with his ability to cover bigger, stronger receivers.
“This guy is tremendously talented,” Friedman said. “He covers a lot of space back there.”
4-star Offensive Linemen Marcus Minor and Jordan McNair
Friedman believes both Minor and McNair could fill either tackle or guard spot on the offensive line for the Terps next year.
Minor has the ideal mindset, Friedman said, as he plays with a nasty attitude and has a penchant for pushing guys around. Friedman also sees Minor as the better overall prospect of the two.
Friedman also noticed McNair’s potential but said he’d like to see the Owings Mills native get into better shape. Still, Friedman believes McNair will be able to slide into a number of positions on Borbely’s line as he learns the intricacies of playing guard or tackle.
3-star RBs Tayon Fleet-Davis and Javon Leake
Friedman has been impressed with the Terps young running backs — freshman Lorenzo Harrison and sophomore Ty Johnson — and believes those coming in next season can also make an impact.
“This coaching staff is stocking up on good, shifty running backs,” Friedman said.
The duo offers varying styles. Leake, in Friedman’s opinion, is the better “down-hill runner.” Fleet-Davis, meanwhile, is more patient and can recognize cutback lanes.
Friedman said both running backs need to improve their ball security as they transition to college football.
3-star Athlete Dazz Newsome
While Newsome has shined on both sides of the ball throughout his high school career, Friedman envisions the three-star athlete finding a home in the Terps secondary.
Newsome has long arms and is a smart and physical player, all of which Friedman said will help him fit in with the Terps future secondary. Friedman said Newsome could “swing games with his great nose for the ball.”
“He has this knack for being in the right place at the right time,” Friedman said. “Great instincts.”
