Donohue discusses his pledge to Maryland
Last week Montvale (N.J.) St. Joseph's linebacker Ryan Donohue made his pledge. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder selected Maryland over an offer from Rutgers. What made Donohue decide to head out of state?
"I committed last Tuesday," he said. "On my way down I called Coach Sollazzo and told him I was thinking about committing soon.
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"Just before I left when I was saying goodbye, I told Coach Friedgen I wanted to commit. I think I caught him off guard. He was shocked and I was ready to shake his hand. He told me they don't shake hands at Maryland, we hug. That was definitely something I'll remember for the rest of my life."
What made the three-star prospect pick Maryland over his home state school?
"It just felt like family and I had a feeling in my gut," he stated. "The coaches were a big part of it. I know colleges have to deal with money and look at recruiting as a business.
"I went to Maryland and I got a different feeling. It wasn't about money. It's where I fit in and what will happen after college."
The coaches were a big factor.
"They are from New York and New Jersey," he said. "Coach Friedgen and Coach Sollazzo reminded me a lot of my Pop Warner coaches."
As for playing time, Donohue believes there is a shot early on.
"Maryland is losing most of their seniors and they said coming in I have a good shot," he said. "That helped me make my decision too. They want me at the will linebacker spot because I run to the ball really well."