Two Terps recruits headed to prep school
Before David Mackall and L.A. Goree join the Maryland football program, they’ll team up at Fork Union Military Academy this fall.
Mackall, a defensive end from Edmondson, and Goree, a linebacker from C.H. Flowers, fell short of NCAA qualifying standards and will spend this fall shoring up their academics and playing football for the Virginia prep school. They report to Fork Union next month.
Goree said he was disappointed when it became clear he would need to go to prep school, but “it is what it is.” The Maryland coaches pointed Goree in Fork Union’s direction.
“They were understanding,” Goree said of the UM staff. “They were talking about me going since January, just to mature a little bit more before coming to Maryland and be focused on football and schoolwork, not girls and parties. ... [The Fork Union coaches are] strict as far as I know, but they seem like cool guys. But they’re no-nonsense with their players down there. It’s just business.”
Mackall said he came up about 50 points short on his most recent SAT attempt. While going to prep school isn't ideal, Mackall said he's comforted to know that other Maryland players have been in this situation before.
“I’m pretty mad that I’ve got to go through this, but whatever it takes, I’m going to do it,” Mackall said. “I wanted to go to Maryland [right away], but I’ll get there. Academically, I think it’ll [prepare me for college] better anyway.”
Edmondson coach Dante Jones said the Fork Union staff is “very excited” to have Mackall in the fold for the upcoming season. He and Goree should do well as teammates in Virginia, Jones said.
“It’s always good going somewhere where you have someone you know that you’ll be with for a lot of years,” Jones said. “So it’s definitely a good thing.”
Maryland defensive linemen Cody Blue (Wilde Lake) and Zach Kerr (Quince Orchard) spent last fall at Fork Union before enrolling at College Park in January.
“I’ve been talking to Zach Kerr all the time and he’s been telling me stuff about it,” Goree said. “[I just need to put in] my time and get good grades.”
Mackall said he's spoken to Goree a few times and they're both on the same page with regard to what they need to accomplish at Fork Union.
“We’ve both got that mindset that we have to help each other out and get this thing done together," Mackall said. "So I’m looking forward to it.”
• Click here for a recap of Goree’s senior season and here for a look at Mackall’s final high school campaign.
Comments
great. Both 4 star defensive recruits. No wonder fridge can't get over the hump.
Posted by: Ryan | July 10, 2009 6:04 AM
great. Both 4 star defensive recruits. No wonder fridge can't get over the hump.
Posted by: Ryan | July 10, 2009 6:04 A
That is such a moronic thing to say and post.
Posted by: virtueandvice | July 10, 2009 12:46 PM
Remember these are just young men trying to figure out the transition from high school to university life. Sometimes an extra year at an academy could help their development and prepare them for not only their studies but also the field as well. The odds are somewhat long that any true freshmen comes in and has an immediate impact anyways. My guess is they come in next year with an extra year of eligibility and a better sense of what it takes to be successful. I think a good example this year will be Zack Kerr. Look for him to have a much greater impact than he would have had as a freshmen last year.
Posted by: cougar | July 11, 2009 10:50 AM
Forgot to mention......
If my memory serves me correctly, I believe L.A. Goree was a 3-star OLB recruit. Perhaps they had him slated for the outgoing LEO position and planned to switch him to DE. However, pretty sure only 3 stars. And... Deonte Arnett (out of all the other DE recruits this year) is considered to have the best chance of getting onto the field because of his early enrollment in the spring.
Posted by: cougar | July 11, 2009 10:56 AM
this is a great school. My son attends the school and will continue until he complets the 4 years of high school. Lots of good players are donw there.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 15, 2009 7:57 PM
I hope they enjoy waking up at 5 am. Fork Union is a Military Acadamy in rural Virgina. These guys are in for a schocker. That place is depressing.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 16, 2009 9:41 AM
waking up at 5am is something they will need to do for the rest of thie lives. The school will show the real truth about life. Get up at 5 and go to work and your place of employeement may be depressing. The schocking part about this is that the players will relized they did this to themselves----they are responsible.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 18, 2009 9:46 AM
It seems decisions are being made that are in the best interests of the two players - not only for football but preparing them better for success in school and life.
Get a grip Ryan.
Posted by: Terps06 | July 18, 2009 10:48 AM