Dwayne Haskins Commits to Maryland, Targets Recruits to Join 'The Movement'

Class of 2016 quarterback Dwayne Haskins delighted Maryland football fans Friday afternoon by declaring his intentions to stay in the state as a Terrapin:

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Blessed to have this opportunity. I'm verbally committed to University of Maryland. #GoTerps The Movement is REAL  pic.twitter.com/B5M6HyGrSy

— Dwayne Haskins, Jr. (@dh_simba7) May 15, 2015"

The 4-star prospect delivered the news during an announcement ceremony at The Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland. His decision prompted a spirited reaction from those in attendance and sets the stage for a major recruiting push in College Park.

Haskins, a 6'3", 198-pound passer, emerged as the top uncommitted player at his position this spring after a series of pledges changed the 2016 recruiting landscape. He is rated fifth nationally among pro-style quarterbacks in 247Sports' composite rankings and 61st overall. 

"This decision was based on my relationships with the coaching staffs of all 41 college programs that offered me a scholarship," Haskins told Bleacher Report. "It came down to who I was most comfortable with. It was about joining a group of great people."

He revealed plans to expand that group during his announcement, singling out elite Mid-Atlantic talents like Philadelphia tight end Naseir Upshur, New Jersey defensive tackle Rashan Gary and standout Maryland wide receiver Trevon Diggs as top targets.

Upshur previously mentioned a possible pairing after a camp in late April.

"Dwayne is a guy I'd really like to play with at the next level," he told Bleacher Report.

Haskins has long maintained he and Diggs are a "package deal." The two developed a bond while competing together in USA Football youth programs. 

"He's just a playmaker," he said. "Tre and I go way back since freshman year. We definitely learned how to play with each other. I feel like I know when he's open and when he's looking for me to throw him the ball. The relationship I've built with him at receiver, I want to continue that in college."

Maryland certainly hopes that's the case.

Diggs, a 4-star athlete who named Alabama his leader last month, has family ties to the Terrapins. He is the younger brother of former Maryland wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who the Minnesota Vikings drafted this year.

"I'll be recruiting him hard to join me," Haskins said. "It's his choice, but I hope we make it happen."

Credit: 247Sports

Maryland coaches have been pushing hard to gain recruiting momentum through a campaign they've dubbed "The Movement." The Terrapins just found a new ambassador to promote that message.

"It's definitely a big deal because 'The Movement' can be huge if it's something other players are willing to believe in," Haskins said. "It could really change the way people view the program."

Haskins worked his way through dozens of offers and cut things down to seven schools before his decision. The process came down to Alabama, Florida, Maryland, Notre Dame, Penn State, Rutgers and Virginia Tech.

He told Bleacher Report his three finalists were Florida, Maryland and Rutgers. 

Gators offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier began recruiting Haskins while he was at Michigan and the two developed a tight bond. Florida also didn't sign a quarterback in the 2015 class, leaving extra room on the depth chart under a new coaching regime. 

Ultimately, the choice seemed to center on two Big Ten newcomers.

Though Haskins now lives in Maryland, he grew up in New Jersey, just minutes away from Rutgers. Former Scarlet Knights star wide receiver Mohamed Sanu was among his early mentors.

"It was really hard to choose between those two schools because I feel a strong connection with both places," he said. "I got to spend a lot of time getting to know everything about both universities and football programs."

Ultimately, he felt a stronger pull toward the Terrapins.

"I'll always be Jersey-born, but I'm DMV-made," Haskins said, alluding to the acronym for an area that encompasses Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

Though he won't be able to enroll early, his mission is to create as strong a bond as possible with the program before his official arrival. Haskins is the kind of quarterback and leader who could ultimately elevate a collegiate culture.

"I'm a game-changer whenever I have the ball in my hands, whether it's first down or third down," he said. "I'm going to get the job done. I don't make too many mistakes, and if I do make a mistake, there won't be one the next play. It's about making sure I capitalize on everything around me."

All quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.