Dwayne Haskins Jr., a four-star pocket passer from Potomac, Md., committed to his home state Terrapins over a long list that included several other premier football programs all over the nation.
According to ESPN, Haskins finalized his decision Friday, giving Maryland a much-needed recruiting victory as the Big Ten rises back to prominence. The Terrapins reportedly pursued Haskins for more than a year, and the team can now use his commitment to lure other recruits as well.
Haskins' decision came down to Rutgers, Florida, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, Penn State and Alabama, ESPN learned. However, his consideration list spanned the nation with schools like Auburn, Boston College, Hawaii, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, UCLA and more.
ESPN, 247Sports.com and Yahoo Sports agree that Haskins is a four-star talent and is one of the top QB recruits in his class. At six-foot-three, Haskins has desirable height for a pocket passing QB, but ESPN's evaluators called his 203-pound frame "lanky" and in need of some bulk.
Haskins' addition of strength could help his arm strength, which ESPN categorized as "good," but "not elite." His true strength is his accuracy and quick release. Coupled with an advanced feel for anticipatory and timing throws, Haskins' upside as a pocket passer is huge.
Haskins was a major domino for Maryland's in-state recruiting efforts, as the Terps will now turn their attention to several other local high schoolers. What remains to be seen is if Maryland can use Haskins' commitment to land out-of-state recruits.
