Tavon Wilson stays home

Maryland is continuing to clean up in the Maryland and D.C. region. After landing defensive end Carl Russell out of Washington (D.C.) H.D. Woodson last season, the Terrapins have gone back to the school to land his former teammate, 6-foot-0, 179-pound cornerback Tavon Wilson.

"I actually committed yesterday to Maryland," he said. "I talked to coach Friedgen and he was just shocked. Everyone thought I'd make a decision down the road, but I felt comfortable with Maryland and decided that I mine as well make a decision early."

A visit a couple weeks ago for camp was big for Maryland in landing the two-star prospect.

"I just felt comfortable around the coaches and they are down-to-earth people," he said. "They showed me a lot of love and I just liked it on my visit. After coming back from that visit, I couldn't stop thinking about Maryland and then they got my teammate Carl last year. I went to almost all of the games with him."

One factor that wasn't huge in his decision was location.

"Actually it really wasn't," he said. "It had nothing to do with the location, I just liked the school and the players made me feel at home.

"It's certainly a benefit that it's close. That means my grandparents can come and see me play every week. They wanted me to be close, so they could watch the games. It also means my coaches can come. I know they want to as well."

The relationship he developed with all of the coaches at Maryland was big in his decision instead.

"I really like coach Friedgen," he said. "I had always wanted to meet him and when I went down there I got to talk to him and we got to know each other. I like that he's a very successful coach that has worked in the NFL.

"I like the assistants too. Coach Bossard was my recruiter and he was straight up with me the whole time. I got to work with coach Lempa too and he gives you extra help to fix what you're doing wrong."

Of course, the chance for playing time was important too.

"I know by going to Maryland I have an opportunity to play early," he said. "The defensive back coach already said that he likes playing freshman, it's just on me and whatever I do. I just have to learn the defense and then I should be playing. I know they also want to get Cameron Chism, so I may have to compete with him too."

Wilson claims he committed to the Terrapins over offers from approximately 30 other schools including Akron, Pittsburgh, Michigan State, Syracuse, Georgia, Illinois, Boston College and others.

The No. 5 prospect in the District of Columbia is considering graduating early.

"I might, it's definitely a possibility," he stated. "I'm leaning towards leaving, but I've got to discuss it with my grandmother and it'll be up to her. If she lets me leave early I will."