Maryland Football Recruiting: 5 Prospects Who the Terps Must Get in 2013

The addition of Offensive Coordinator Mike Locksley to Maryland's Staff has already positively impacted the recruiting process.

Maryland has recently asserted itself as a major player in the mid-Atlantic recruiting scene. From jerseys, to coordinators (see Mike Locksley) to a new field, changes in College Park have enabled the Terps to compete with the likes of Virginia Tech and Auburn for high-school prospects. 

Most significantly, the Terps have dominated when it comes to attracting local recruits. As of this weekend, eight of Maryland’s recruits are from the D.C./Maryland/Virginia area.

Most recently, Richy Anderson (son of  former PSU standout Richie Anderson) chose to join coach Randy Edsall and company over Wake Forest and Boston College, among others. 

Who is next? Here are five recruits who the Terps must get. 

Marcus Newby, Outside Linebacker

Marcus Newby has been an All-State performer the past two seasons. (Rivals.com)

Marcus Newby is a sought-after high-school prospect with over 10 scholarship offers (Nebraska and West Virginia among them). He recently selected a top-five that included the University of Maryland.

The 6'1", 205-pound outside linebacker has both the size and the speed (4.6 40-yard dash) to contribute as a young player in the ACC.

As an in-state prospect, there is a great possibility that the 4-star recruit will take his talents to College Park.

In 2011, he led Quince Orchard High School to a state championship, tallying 100 tackles.

Newby will fill a hole at linebacker in the coming years and support Maryland's growing recruiting presence in Montgomery and Prince George's counties. 

Zach Bradshaw, Athlete

Zach Bradshaw stars at Damascus High School. (Montgomery Gazette)

ESPN lists Zach Bradshaw as a mid-grade recruit—that doesn't explain why a number of teams from the SEC, Big Ten and ACC are all pursuing the Damascus High product.

The fact is, Bradshaw is a blue-collar player with a nose for the ball and an understanding of the game.

At Maryland, Bradshaw would serve as the glue in the recruiting class, just as he would at most any other school. He has the ability to get on the field on offense, defense or special teams and he is known for his work ethic.

Maryland coaches would certainly enjoy cultivating Bradshaw's talents as a Terrapin. He is an under-the-radar guy who would serve as the icing on the cake for Maryland in the class of 2013. 

Jermaine Carter, Outside Linebacker

Maryland is hot on the trails after 2013 target, Jermaine Carter. (247Sports)

Following the last football season, Jermaine Carter transferred from Archbishop Carroll of the WCAC to Friendship Collegiate.

The aggressive outside linebacker will join forces with Derwin Gray, Yannick Ngakoue and Cavon Walker, all of whom committed to coach Randy Edsall and the University of Maryland Terrapins within the past two weeks.

It is hard to believe that Carter will not follow in the footsteps of his Friendship Collegiate teammates. The 6'5", 215-pound linebacker is a strong tackler with a wide frame. Carter has the potential to star on defense for the Terrapins, whether that be at an end or linebacker position.  

Milan Collins, Athlete/QB

Milan Collins plays for the Bishop McNamara in Forestville, Maryland. (Playmakerrecruiting)

Bishop McNamara's Milan Collins is a recruiting priority for the University of Maryland for two reasons.

Due to his diverse skill set, the high school quarterback has been recruited as both a quarterback and athlete. The 6'2", 190-pound signal-caller can step back and excel in the pocket or tuck the ball and elude defenders (4.5 40-yard dash).

ESPN ranks Collins as the 57th best quarterback prospect in the United States. It is unclear which position Collins will play at the next level, but he will give offensive coordinator Mike Locksley a lot to work with.

He is also hometown hero. Collins attends Bishop McNamara in Prince George's County, which is also the home of the University of Maryland and Byrd Stadium. Collins will have the opportunity to play close to home and in front of family and friends, while Maryland's staff will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to pull in local talent.

Both Syracuse and West Virginia have recruited Collins to play defensive back.

Taivon Jacobs, Wide Receiver

Taivon Jacobs stars on the gridiron and on the track for Suitland High School. (National Scholastic Sports Foundation)

Speed, strength and agility.

As one of the best athletes in the class of 2013, Taivon Jacobs possesses the raw athleticism to flourish at the next level.

The Suitland high school wideout runs a 4.4 40-yard dash and has a 34-inch vertical. Such stunning numbers explain why the has received over 15 college scholarship offers.

Though undersized at 165 pounds, Taivon Jacobs has the potential to excel at the next level once engaged in an intensive workout program.