Yannick Ngakoue to Maryland: Terrapins Land 4-Star ILB Recruit

Inside linebacker recruit Yannick Ngakoue received plenty of interest from top college football programs across the nation, but the 4-star prospect has signed with Maryland.

The 6'3", 230-pound linebacker hailing from the nation's capitol drew multiple offers from around the country during the recruiting process, ranging from the SEC to the ACC to the Big Ten to the Big 12.

Ngakoue lined up in multiple spots in the front seven for Friendship Collegiate Academy. He has good size and strength, making him a potential fit at inside linebacker, or even defensive end, and he's shown above-average burst and speed.

247Sports' composite rankings list him as a 4-star recruit and the 18th-best inside linebacker prospect in the nation. He is also pegged as the second-best player overall coming out of D.C. in the 2013 class.

Ngakoue does have good range, but he needs to develop his recognition and angles of pursuit better. As a physical player, he won't be pushed around once he develops a bit more, and he stands to make the most impact as a pass-rusher at the next level. He has shown the ability to bend around the block and work his way to the quarterback, but he's best when vertically attacking.

Most people believe he's best suited as a 4-3 defensive end once he develops, but his versatility is part of the reason why he was courted by so many schools throughout the recruiting process. He stands to fit well with multiple schemes, given the right coaching.

Overall, Maryland is getting a player who has a lot of tools to make an impact, especially if he works on his awareness and technique. He could be a productive player on special teams right away, but will probably need some time to be worked in as a starter on defense.

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