Gilman's Darius Jennings focused on three
A preview of how Gilman quarterback Darius Jennings could be used in college was on display Thursday night at the inaugural Chesapeake Bowl at Towson University's Johnny Unitas Stadium.
With Greyhounds coach Biff Poggi manning the sideline for the South roster, Jennings took handoffs, threw the ball and split wide at receiver en route to a 150-yard day. The four-star prospect completed passes of 20 and 49 yards, in addition to scoring on a 10-yard run to propel the South to a 30-27 win over the North.
After the game, Jennings spoke about the three college programs still in the mix for his services.
“Ohio State, Virginia, Wake Forest,” said Jennings, who trimmed Maryland, UCLA and Virginia Tech from his list. “I take my official to Wake Forest on Jan. 14. I’ve already been to Virginia and Ohio State. Sometime after Jan. 14, I’ll make my decision.”
Jennings has apparent ties to all three programs. Greyhounds offensive lineman Hunter Goodwin -- who also participated in the Chesapeake Bowl -- committed to the Demon Deacons in April. The Cavaliers’ 2011 recruiting class already includes six players from Maryland, including Boys’ Latin defensive end Marco Jones -- another Chesapeake Bowl participant. And Gilman defensive coordinator Stan White was an All-American linebacker for the Buckeyes before starring for the Baltimore Colts.
“[It’s] kind of an even playing field,” Jennings said. “I’m going to wait until my official to Wake Forest, compare all three and then I’ll go from there.”
Jennings, The Baltimore Sun’s All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year, finished his senior season with 1,592 yards rushing and 19 touchdowns on 165 carries, five kickoff returns for 220 yards and two touchdowns, and 29-for-50 passing for 425 yards and three touchdowns. He is scheduled to play in the Under Armour All-America game at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Jan. 5, but said he doesn’t have any concrete plans for announcing his decision.
“I’m kind of a low-key guy,” he said. “Just when I feel is right, that’s when I’ll do it.”
Baltimore Sun photo of Darius Jennings by Gene Sweeney Jr. / Dec. 30, 2010
Comments
I am appalled at the amount of high school talent that leaves this state--both on the football field and basketball court. It would be easy to blame the Terps losing out on Jennings on the unsettled coaching situation in College Park. In reality, however, the chances that he would have come to Maryland under any circumstances were slim.
I honestly think part of the problem is geography: the campus is so close to DC it doesn't really feel like THE state university of Maryland. Many potential recruits in the Baltimore area tend not to develop a life-long love affair with the program, such as what you find in other states. Thus, Maryland is left to comb northeastern states with medicore (New Jersey) or weak (New York) college football programs for talents, and to pick through the leftovers in states such as Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.
Posted by: RaelRaven | December 31, 2010 4:52 PM
Ohio State
Virginia
Wake Forest
One of these is not like the other. My guess is that is the school that wins this derby ...
Posted by: Mac | January 1, 2011 9:53 AM
word on the street is that Jennings was going to MD until the Fridge debacle. Nice move there Anderson. BTW, there is no chance he chooses VA or WF over Ohio State. They pay better.
Posted by: Danny | January 3, 2011 5:21 PM