Five-star defensive end Joshua Kaindoh was the cornerstone of Maryland football’s 2017 class when he committed in April, but the IMG Academy product announced via Twitter on Monday night he has reopened his recruitment.
Will be announcing my final decision January 1st at the UA game!! pic.twitter.com/Us7ddFevbr
— Joshua Kaindoh (@_jkaindoh) November 29, 2016
“At this time, after coming home and discussing this matter with my family, I have decided that I am de-committing from the University of Maryland,” Kaindoh said in the tweet’s attachment. “Thank you to Maryland’s coaching staff for their belief in me and for a great opportunity. Thank you to the Terp fans for their continuous support and love toward me as I was committed. I wish Maryland nothing but the best. Thank you to everyone who understands.”
Kaindoh plans to announce his final decision Jan. 1 at the Under Armour All-America Game.
The 6-foot-6, 235-pound Essex native pledged to coach DJ Durkin’s program on April 30, citing his excitement to help the first-year leader rebuild the program. He visited the campus when Maryland blew out Purdue on homecoming Oct. 1.
But Kaindoh, whose commitment to Maryland was nonbinding before the upcoming National Signing Day deadline Feb. 1, took an official visit to Penn State this past weekend.
Kaindoh, the No. 26 overall 2017 recruit who planned to enroll at Maryland in January, committed to the Terps a few weeks after defensive lineman Cam Spence, a St. John’s senior and Kaindoh’s former IMG teammate, pledged.
Spence, however, hasn’t wavered in his verbal agreement with the team as one of five four-star recruits the Terps plan to welcome to College Park next season.
@_jkaindoh I still love you family ❤️✊???? It was good seeing you this weekend ‼️
— Cam Spence (@Only1CamSpence) November 29, 2016
Still Holding on Strong. Every Team rebuilds eventually….
— Cam Spence (@Only1CamSpence) November 29, 2016
The group is currently the third-best in the Big Ten and No. 17 overall, according to 247sports.