Published Aug 1, 2017
Recent visit to Maryland seals the deal for four-star Tyler Baylor
circle avatar
Adam Friedman  •  Rivals.com
Rankings Director and National Transfer Portal Analyst
Twitter
@RivalsFriedman

Maryland has a need at their hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker position, but they took a big step toward filling it with the commitment of four-star Tyler Baylor. The Olney (Md.) Good Counsel star was on campus in College Park over the weekend and that sealed the deal for him.

Advertisement

IN HIS OWN WORDS...

"I decided to pick the Terps because I just felt at home there," Baylor said. "The whole coaching staff made me feel like a priority and they were recruiting me very hard. I also like the 'DMV to UMD Movement' keeping talent at home. I really like that.

"I brought my family with me for this visit and they got to see how the whole recruiting thing works, and they got a chance to talk to the coaches and see their point of view," he said. "I feel like bringing my family with me was a big thing that helped me decide where to go.

"Ayinde (Eley) was a good recruiter," said Baylor. "He kept on me and was telling me to stay home. I feel like, knowing that he's there, I feel like I've got my brother with me. I'm happy to be going there with him.

"Right now the coaches are telling me that I'll most likely be playing the BUCK position," he said. "They want me to be able to put my hand in the dirt at times and be able to come out in coverage too. They're looking at me as a hybrid player.

"I feel like I have a chance to step on the field my first year," Baylor said. "The current starting BUCK is going to be a senior this year so he'll be gone when I get there, so I feel like it's up for the taking. I'm going to make sure I work my hardest to earn my spot."

RIVALS' REACTION

Baylor's commitment is important for multiple reasons, but the biggest is that he fills a major need in this recruiting class. The BUCK position is very thin at Maryland, and building quality depth at the position was a huge priority for D.J. Durkin and his coaching staff. With Baylor's commitment, the Terps added another commitment from local powerhouse Good Counsel. The Falcons are one of the best programs on the East Coast, and locking down that pipeline is vital to Maryland's future.