Maryland gets first 2005 pledge

The Maryland Terrapins, fresh off a Top 15 recruiting class for 2004, are at it again this year with an early commitment from one of the top linemen in the state of Pennsylvania.

"David committed to Maryland last night," said Bo McClain, the brother of offensive lineman David McClain, a 6-foot-5, 325-pound offensive tackle/guard from Warrington (Pa.) CB South. "They said they are taking only one guard this year and they want him to play opposite fellow PA lineman Jamie Thomas in his second year."

Why Maryland?

"He visited Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia and Virginia and felt that the coaches at Maryland were the best," said his brother. "It felt like family from the first time he talked to them."

McClain was invited to junior days at Miami, Ohio State, West Virginia, Virginia, Syracuse, Pitt and Iowa but distance was a factor.

"It played a part," said his brother. "Maryland is so close and it's a great program with great coaches. He was recruited by coach Franklin at Maryland and he was one of the nicest guys he spoke to. He recruited Dave because he 'punishes and pounds people into the ground every play'. He and coach Bratton loved his pulling and how he dominates other players until the end of each play.

"Dave graded out as a high four-star recruit on Maryland's board, second to Eugene Monroe who is their top five-star lineman recruit. They think Dave can start in his second year."

McClain played his first three years at CB East but will finish his high school career at CB South under coach Bart Szarko, who was David's favorite coach at East.