Terps land another in-stater
Maryland picked up its 18th verbal commitment for the class of 2009 yesterday when Eleanor Roosevelt linebacker/defensive end Isaiah Ross chose the Terps over offers from Illinois, Syracuse and Buffalo, among others.
Eleanor Roosevelt head coach Tom Green said Ross, who recorded 128 tackles and 13 sacks as a junior, reminds him of a current Terp defender.
“He’s a versatile player,” Green said. “He can play [defensive] end or outside linebacker. He’s a lot like [Maryland senior] Trey Covington. He’s a very explosive kid. He’s a good student. He’s already qualified. So he’ll definitely add to what they have.”
Like Covington, Ross is expected to play the LEO position for Maryland, which is a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end position. Green said the staff is excited about Ross’ potential at that spot.
“Well from talking to [offensive coordinator James] Franklin, he was excited because he felt Isaiah really liked Maryland and wanted to come. So he was pleased. It’s still an adjustment [from high school to college], but I think he’ll do well. They like him a whole lot.”
Green’s in his first year at Eleanor Roosevelt after spending the previous seven years as Surrattsville’s head coach. While Green’s still getting to know his new team, he was immediately impressed with Ross and his leadership.
“He’s very unselfish,” Green said. “He’s one of a few kids I actually named as captain, one of two going into the season, because he’s been so helpful in motivating the other guys. ... He’s been willing to play anything, even out of position to help the team. That says a lot that the kid’s willing to play out of position to help the team.”
Check back with Recruiting Report later this week for more on Ross.
Comments
thats my guy right there ROss i know him . HE is going to be a LEO at UMD
Posted by: Tony | August 5, 2008 9:18 AM
I've been impressed with Ralph's recent recruiting, despite some mediocre seasons. He just needs to keep more blue chippers in state, instead of them going to State Penn. But I think the team has good long-term prospects.
Posted by: Mike | August 5, 2008 10:11 AM
I just want to see J. Jenkins and T. Austin go to MD ..Lets keep the players here!
Posted by: Brian in PA | August 5, 2008 12:11 PM
mike have you followed recruiting at all. sean stanley and darrel givens are the only blue chippers they lost to PSU in the past 3 years. the other so called blue chippers from 2005 and 6 have not lived up to their billing. Tavon austin doesn't have PSU in his top 5 , travis hawkins is a maryland lean, and jelani jenkins is anyones guess.
Posted by: josh | August 5, 2008 12:58 PM
Penn St hasnt been the problem, it has been Fla and then Illinois with their recruiting ties here and a top recruiter at head coach. But Franklin helps even the playing field. His presence seems to be pauying dividends right from the start.
Posted by: Lucky Horseshoe | August 5, 2008 5:48 PM
hey Matt i am hearing rumors that some MD penn state db commits like Derrick thomas might change over the TErps have you heard anything ?
i know Ross and he said he is trying to get thomas He.s team mate to follow him to MD.
and Travis Hawkins would be a nice get. he is a very good kid. i hope we get him crossing my fingers and toes.
Posted by: Tony | August 5, 2008 10:23 PM
I. Ross sounds like a great kid and athlete. The kind of leadership skills he seems to have is more valuable than "raw talent" when it comes to success on the field and in life. I'm glad to have him part of the team.
Posted by: CA Terp Fan | August 6, 2008 10:04 AM
Tony -- Sounds like something to watch, but I haven't spoken to Thomas so I can't say for sure. What I know comes from this article:
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/mdvarsity/0-0-53/Outside-the-lines-changing-minds-.html?post=true
Posted by: Matt Bracken | August 6, 2008 10:09 AM