Maryland visit impresses ATH Gloster

Athlete Drew Gloster took a visit to in-state school Maryland this past weekend. How did the trip go and who leads for the 6-foot-2, 217-pounder's services?

"I was impressed with the visit, they gave me an opportunity to see what they have to offer," he said. "I've been over there plenty of times for camp, but this time I got a chance to sit down with coach Friedgen for an hour and a half. He opened my eyes a bit.

"I questioned him why it took so long for an offer and they were honest with me and they said they questioned my feet a little bit. They couldn't tell from my highlight tape and they wanted to make sure my 40-time was legit. Then when they saw me at the Elite Combine they liked me and really wanted me as a halfback or wide receiver. I think they're on the rise and a top contender in the ACC the next three or four years."

Previously, Gloster was favoring the Hokies with a decision coming up within a month. Is that still the case and where did the Terps put themselves in the hunt?

"I'd say Maryland is in my top five now. Before you could say I felt a sour taste about them, but sitting down and watching the coaches I could see they were being honest with me and I got all my respect back for them. It would be great to play for the hometown crowd," he said. "As of right now, I still like Virginia Tech and I think we're going there for a visit soon. My parents haven't been, so I want them to see the campus, but I'll give Maryland a shot still because they have a good thing going and I like coach Friedgen and Sollazzo. Overall, it was a great visit."

The Germantown (Md.) Good Counsel prospect has now confirmed he is planning to announce his decision either on his birthday (Aug. 8) or before the season starts.

What stands out to the four-star prospect about Virginia Tech?

"I really liked Virginia Tech when I went down there over spring break," he said. "They have great facilities and they are building on to the stadium. You're not playing in front of a 100,000 person crowd, but it's loud or louder than that and to me it's one of the best crowds in the nation to play in front of because you want that crowd to be behind you. Frank Beamer is a great coach and I've got a lot of respect for him. They won the ACC their first year in the conference and they have a great thing going on there that I'd love to be a part of."

Virginia Tech may still have some competition for the Rivals 250 star as he is considering a trip to the Gators before his decision next month.

"I might go visit Florida before summer is over," he said. "I just want to see what they have to offer because I know there is a lot there I haven't seen yet. Florida is in a great conference in the SEC and they have a lot to offer. I like coach Meyer and he made a great impression on me by the way he talks to his players and cares about them. He makes sure they're great people off the field and I'm impressed by that."

Though he won't visit them, Gloster also still has Miami in his top three as well.

"Miami is the U and now I know they have my future major there in sports management," he said. "Miami is a great spot and they've had some of the greatest players come out of there including Edgerrin James and Kellen Winslow. It says a lot about their facilities when those guys come back and train there despite being in the NFL."

The No. 7 prospect in Maryland was named honorable mention all-state as a junior.