4-Star DE Joshua Paschal Opens Up on Visits and Schools Recruiting Him Hardest
Dynamic defender Joshua Paschal picked up his first collegiate scholarship offer from Ohio State in 2014, midway through a breakout sophomore season. It was a moment that vaulted him into the national recruiting spotlight.
Now, nearing the end of his junior year at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, he reports approximately 20 offers on the table. A consistently expanding list of options has provided him with plenty to consider.
"When Ohio State came in and offered, that was a really special time. Since then, the offers kept coming and coming," Paschal told Bleacher Report.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
The 4-star prospect—who earned an invitation to The Opening national finals Sunday following a strong performance during a Washington D.C. regional—is considered one of the Mid-Atlantic's premier athletes along the defensive front. Rated No. 8 nationally among strong-side defensive ends in 247Sports' composite rankings, Paschal spent last season playing a variety of roles for his high school squad.
He would line up with his hand in the dirt, blitz the backfield from a stand-up start and even drop back into pass coverage on occasion. Paschal, who measured in at 6'3", 252 pounds at the D.C. regional, understands this versatility is a crucial element of what makes him alluring to college coaching staffs across the country.
"I hear a lot about playing a hybrid role," he said.
Paschal mentioned interest from scouts about his potential at the "Buck" linebacker position, which would require him to provide containment along the perimeter. Oklahoma, he says, is a program that particularly identified that role as a possible fit.
The Sooners are in a solid spot to line up an upcoming campus visit with the rangy defensive standout as he begins to chart out his travel itinerary. Alabama is another intriguing destination.
While other visit dates remain undetermined, a trip to Tuscaloosa is tentatively planned for June 3. Paschal doesn't yet hold an offer from the Crimson Tide, but aims to leave campus with an Alabama scholarship in his possession if things go well on campus.
"I'm hoping they'll offer me when I go down there," he said.
From a physical standpoint, Paschal would seem to be an appropriate fit in Alabama's front-seven scheme. If the Tide do indeed opt to extend an offer, head coach Nick Saban would have competition within his conference.
Tennessee is among the programs most ardently pursuing, Paschal said. Texas A&M, too, has recently intensified efforts.
Along with that SEC pair, Paschal pointed to Clemson, Maryland, Rutgers and Kentucky (where older brother TraVaughn Paschal played linebacker and defensive end) as universities recruiting him hardest.
"#BBN #WhyNot ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/bh5jkxnnHM
— Joshua Paschal (@JPaschal5) August 2, 2015"
In-state Maryland is on a mission to build a fence around its borders under new head coach D.J. Durkin. Unsurprisingly, Paschal is a pivotal part of those efforts, and he spent time at College Park on Saturday.
"I think big things are going to happen there," Paschal said. "Maryland is preaching the stay-at-home movement, and is also showing it through actions with how they build relationships with recruits."
Don't expect an early commitment from Paschal, who is in no rush to conclude his recruitment.
"I think I'm going to push it into next year," he said.
Multiple trips are likely to alter the course of this process as spring seeps into summer. Paschal plans to narrow things down to a top-five list before reaching a decision.
If he's able to accomplish this goal prior to the start of his senior season, expect each of those schools to host him for an official visit.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
