Kerr stays home

Defensive tackle Zach Kerr out of Gaithersburg (Md.) Quince Orchard made his decision known earlier today. The 6-foot-2, 323-pounder decided to stay home with the Terrapins over offers from Illinois, Minnesota, Penn State, Rutgers and others.

"Actually I made my decision on Monday night," he said. "Then I told Coach Friedgen and Coach Sollazzo.

"Coach Sollazzo was really happy about it. He wanted to make sure that's what I wanted to do and I was 100% positive. When I told him, he jumped up out of his seat. He also told me to start recruiting now for the upcoming guys next year on my team. He thinks I'd be good at that."

The three-star prospect went on to discuss what he likes about the Terps.

"It's my hometown school and they stuck with me, other schools didn't through the whole process," he said. "I made my decision not thinking about football. I took it out of the equation and this was more about my life and education. I'm not saying other schools don't have a good education, but I saw what was best for me."

Location was a critical factor in Kerr's decision.

"It really was," he said. "My mom is all I have and that's why I decided to play football and try to get a scholarship. She's on my back to make this dream a reality and I want her to not be too far so that she'll keep me in a straight line."

The No. 55 defensive tackle in the country is happy with his choice.

"I think I made a great one," he said. "It's probably the biggest decision I've made in my life and it feels like a lot of weight is off my shoulders."

Kerr could get a chance to play immediately for Maryland.

"Coach Sollazzo wants me to come in and do my thing as a true freshman. There is a chance to earn playing time immediately, but I've got to work hard academically and in the weight room."

Meanwhile, what is Kerr's academic situation?

"The only thing I need to do is get a qualifying test score. I've got another semester to get my grades up and it's pretty close already."