Long steadfast in his commitment

First things first. Four-star junior college wide receiver Deon Long wants to make it clear that's he's still very much committed to Maryland. It's just that he also wants to point out that other schools are still recruiting him. It might not matter in the end, but he certainly doesn't mind talking about the new interest in his services.

The most recent arrival to the dance?

"Oregon was trying to give me a scholarship," Long said. "I talked to them last week, but I just told them, 'I'm committed to Maryland.'"

But why not listen to the No. 2-ranked team in the country? For Long, his disinterest boils down to the allure of home. To him, the draw of a potent offense and a winning record can't compete with familiarity.

Long, a Washington DC native, is downright thrilled by the homecoming that awaits. And not even Nike, Chip Kelly and college football's most famous uniform scheme have a chance at changing that.

"It's home," Long said. "I can't wait to get back home. I've been watching Maryland play for the longest. And just being out there in front of those fans is something to look forward to. It's all about getting home."

And so the only trip on his schedule involves the Terps. He'll take his official visit to Maryland on Nov. 16 for Maryland's game with Florida State. If Long gets his way, he'll have some company on that trip.

His Iowa Western teammate and friend, defensive end Rodney Coe, is a Maryland target. It would be foolish to think Long isn't in his ear. This isn't a case of a player simply advising his buddy, either. This is the full-court press. Whether or not it will actually work, on the other hand, is unclear.

The battle may be of the uphill variety.

"I think Rodney is going to come up on the visit with me to Maryland," Long said. "I think Oregon gave him a scholarship last week, though. I'm trying to get him to come with me, but he might go to Oregon."

Long, who singed with West Virginia out of high school before failing to qualify, says he's on pace graduate from Iowa Western in December.

"I'll be in Maryland for spring ball," he said.