Minor to Maryland

Maryland landed their sixteenth commitment in the 2017 class on Sunday evening when Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha four-star offensive lineman Marcus Minor announced his pledge to the Terps, live on Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic.

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The Terps beat out the likes of Auburn, Florida, Miami, Michigan State, Rutgers and Virginia Tech for the 6-foot-4, 280-pound lineman’s services. And while Minor built strong relationships with each school’s staff, his bond with the Maryland coaches was different.

"All the schools in my top seven, I was able to create some sort of bond with them from the start of my recruiting process to the end,” said Minor. “But I had a special bond and comfort level there [at Maryland]. I wanted to find a place I trust that felt like home. They see me having a long career.”

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As for what it is the Maryland staff sees in Minor that could lead to a long career, it starts with his versatility along the offensive line.

“Basically, that I’m versatile,” Minor said of what the Terps coaches liked about his game. “I’m able to play guard or tackle. I try to watch the techniques of the defensive linemen. I’m quick on my feet and able to use power when needed to.”

That quickness and power was on display Aug. 27, when DeMatha traveled to the Tidewater region of Virginia for their season opener at Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith, who they defeated 42-7. Minor helped pave the way up front for the Stags, who racked up 481 yards of total offense, including 298 on the ground.

So what is Maryland getting in Minor? A player that brings the same blue-collar approach as his future head coach, DJ Durkin.

“As a football player, they’re getting a good athlete who always has his head on straight, comes on time prepared ready to work and bring it.”

Minor is the No. 38-ranked offensive tackle nationally by Rivals.