Md. Boasts Solid Recruiting Class

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) – Analysts around the country are surprised and impressed by the fact Maryland has landed a solid recruiting class in the wake of a 2-10 season that almost cost head coach Ralph Friedgen his job.

Dunbar-D.C. linebacker Javarie Johnson headlines a 21-member class that all three major scouting services are rating Top 40 nationally. Archbishop Carroll offensive lineman Nathaniel Clarke, Wise safety Titus Till and former Edmondson High defensive end David Mackall join Johnson as four-star recruits that signed with the Terrapins on Wednesday.

Maryland finished last in the Atlantic Coast Conference on the field in 2009.

Maryland received a very early commitment from Till, who gave Friedgen a pledge last January . The 6'1", 210-pound Upper Marlboro resident racked up 68 tackles in leading Wise to the Class 4A state final and has also run the 100-yard dash in 10.8 second in track competition.

Clarke, also a standout basketball player, is a terrific athlete for a lineman and projects to carry 300-plus pounds on his 6'5" frame.

"Nate is a big, strong, athletic offensive lineman. He is a lean 280 pounds right now so he has a lot of room to grow and a great upside," Friedgen said.

Completing a solid local recruiting haul for Maryland was Johnson, the top-rated prospect in the District of Columbia who initially gave a verbal commitment to Miami. The consensus All-American pulled a shocker last month when he switched from Miami to Maryland and is already enrolled at the College Park campus.

"Javarie is a kid I fell in love with last year because he sort of lights up a room. He has a wonderful personality and is always smiling," said Friedgen, admitting he was deeply disappointed when Johnson initially chose Miami. "Of course, he is 6'3", 215 and runs about a 4.4 (seconds) forty. That lights me up and makes me smile."

Mackall, who was a sack machine at Edmondson High of Baltimore, was one of two players who signed with Maryland last year and did not qualify academically. He and linebacker Lorne Goree (C.H. Flowers High, Springdale, Md.) both attended Fork Union Military Academy and also are taking classes at Maryland.

Mackall, rated the nation Rivals.com, stayed true to Maryland despite drawing scholarship offers from Georgia, Michigan and Rutgers among others.

Recruiting analysts were also high on Maryland quarterback signee -- Tyler Smith of Wilson Area High in Easton, Pa. Smith concluded his career as one of the most prolific passers in Pennsylvania state history with career numbers of 8,035 yards and 87 touchdowns.

"Tyler is a mobile quarterback with a very strong arm," said Friedgen, who liked what he saw of Smith in the Team USA vs. The World all-star game. "I was impressed with his poise, control and command of the offense. He is clearly a leader."

Friedgen said offensive lineman Max Garcia of Norcross High in Georgia, who also considered Alabama, Clemson and Florida State among others, was the toughest recruit for Maryland to land. Mario Rowson of Norfolk Va., a physical corner with good size (6-3, 185), is a prospect Friedgen feels could play as a true freshman.