National Signing Day is a big day for college football. The top high school football players around the country make their college decisions official by signing the National Letter-of-Intent. Signing the letter means an end to a long road these players had to travel.
There was a lot of Signing Day action going on in the DC, Maryland, and Virgina area. Here is a recap of everything that went on today.
DeMatha to UMD
For the longest time, the University of Maryland had a hard time bringing in prospects from the local football powerhouse DeMatha Catholic High School. This year recruiting class ended that drought.
Terps head coach DJ Durkin and his staff will have four DeMatha football players suit up for them next season. DJ Turner, Tino Ellis, Lorenzo Harrison, and Terrance Davis signed the National Letter-of-Intent today and will continue their football careers at College Park.
“What a thrill to get those DeMatha guys apart of this class,” DJ Durkin said in a press conference. “They are going to contribute and probably play early for us.”
Four-star wide receiver Tino Ellis is the No. 9 player in Maryland and No. 52 wide receiver in the country according to 247sports. Ellis showcased his talents at this year’s Under Armour All-American game and the International Bowl. Ellis has the potential to get some solid playing time during the upcoming season.
Terrance Davis was the Terps top-rated prospect in the 2016 class. The four-star offensive tackle, is rated as the No.3 in the country and No.2 overall player in Maryland according to 247sports. Just like his teammate Tino Ellis, Davis played in the Under All-American game. During the game, Davis made his decision to go to Maryland over Michigan, Alabama, Florida State and others.
Wide receiver DJ Turner and running back Lorenzo Harrison are other key additions to Maryland recruiting class. DJ Turner is rated as a 3-star on 247sports and ranked as the No.14 player in the area. Turner didn’t play his senior season due an ankle injury he suffered during DeMatha’s first game of the season against Miami Central. Lorenzo Harrison was the first out of the four DeMatha players to commit to Maryland. According to 247sports, Harrison is a 3-star running back and the No. 23 player in Maryland.
DJ Durkin had success getting guys from DeMatha and he plans to do it next time. “I can tell you one thing, we will be going back there [DeMatha] next year too.”
Crimson Tide lands 4-star Defensive end Terrell Hall
There was a lot of questions on where St. John’s defensive end Terrell Hall will go. Last year, Hall was committed to Ohio State but changed his mind over the summer. Days before Signing Day, Terrell announced he was choosing between Maryland, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Florida State. When the day came around, Terrell Hall decided he will go to Alabama.
Hall is the No.6 defensive end in the country and the No.1 overall player in the Washington DC area. He was named DC Gatorade Player of the Year and 1st-Team All-WCAC. Terrell will be joining another local prospect in Trevon Diggs at Alabama.
Meanwhile, Terrell’s teammate Aaron Hansford announced he will be heading to Texas A&M. Hansford is a four-star wide receiver and outside linebacke. He’s ranked as the No. 2 player in DC. According to Scout’s.com Brian Dohn, Hansford could spend some time at the wide receiver position at Texas A&M.
Bishop McNamara’s Quarterback Ramar Williams heads to Navy
3-star dual-threat Quarterback Ramar Williams committed to Navy. Before Signing Day, there were talks about Ramar going to Maryland even though he didn’t get an offer. All of those talks came right after Dwayne Haskins decommitted from Maryland. DJ Durkin met with Williams at Bishop McNamara but he still didn’t receive an offer.
Now, Ramar will be going to Navy next season to play football. This season Williams had 1980 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and rushed for 533 yards. During his four-year high school football career, Williams put up some very eye-popping number. He threw for 8,659 yards, 73 touchdowns, 33 interceptions, and had a 62 percent completion rate.
Check out Ramar Williams highlights:
Dwayne Haskins and Keandre Jones are officially Buckeyes
The area’s top quarterback Dwayne Haskins is officially a Buckeye after he sign the National Letter of Intent. Dwayne was committed to Maryland but flipped his decision last month. Haskins is the No. 7 pro-style quarterback and the No. 80 player in the country. Haskins threw for 2,200 yards and 20 touchdowns to help Bullis win their third straight IAC title.
In addition to Haskins signing to Ohio State, Good Counsel linebacker Keandre Jones will be joining him. Jones also was committed to Maryland but flipped his commitment. Jones is the No. 4 player in Maryland according to 247sports.
Read More about National Signing Day in the DMV:
Alabama football adds another top prospect in St. John’s DL Terrell Hall via Washington Post
Trevon Diggs resists U-Md. connection and chooses Alabama via Washington Post
Carroll standout Jauan Williams selects Florida State via Washington Post
National Signing Day 2016: 3-star RB Jake Funk officially commits to Maryland via Testudo Times
Penn State 2016 Recruiting Class: DE Shane Simmons Signs With Nittany Lions via Fansided
Aaron Hansford of St. John’s will head to Texas A&M via Washington Post
National Signing Day 2016: 4-star OG Richard Merritt officially commits to Maryland via Testudo Times
After in-home visit, Landon LB Keith Simms commits to Oregon football via Washington Post
Injured DuVal star Antoine Brooks commits to Maryland after late offer via Washington Post
Bullis QB Dwayne Haskins, Jr. makes it official with Ohio State football on National Signing Day via Washington Post
Ryan McFadden is a freshman at Iona College and alumni from DeMatha Catholic High School. He is the founder of Inside The Locker Room and a staff writer for the Ionian, and Terrapin Station. Follow him on Twitter @RMcFadden15.
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