TE talks Maryland visit

Three-star tight end Rashad Phillips out of Virginia Beach (Va.) Landstown took his second official visit of the season to Maryland this weekend. The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder enjoyed his trip, but was it enough to top last month's visit to Syracuse?

"It was a good visit and I liked it a lot," he said. "I really liked the players and the fact that they have a very diverse campus and nice facilities. I got there Friday afternoon and checked out the facilities and met with the academic advisors and coaches. That night I hung out with the players including my host Isaiah Gardner. He was really nice because he went to Landstown and just told me what to look for in a college and to find the best school for me.

"On Saturday I met with the coaches and my position coach. They showed me my linebacker position on their defense and different blitzes and coverage schemes. I was also able to meet with coach Friedgen. That was really good and we had a nice conversation. He basically asked me what I liked and didn't like and talked about my opportunity there. I'd say what stuck out most about my visit with him was that he's an honest guy and tells you what's on his mind."

Overall the No. 50 tight end in the country rated his trip an 8.5 or 9.

"It was a good visit and everything was really nice," he said. "I'd say I've narrowed my list to pretty much three schools which includes Syracuse, Maryland and North Carolina State. Right now I'd say it's pretty even, but Syracuse has a slight edge because they want me as a tight end.

"Meanwhile, I like North Carolina State a lot because that's a school I've always liked. I want to check it out and see what they are all about."

Phillips said that there is a strong possibility he'll make a decision between the three after his trip to Raleigh on January 13th, but if he doesn't then he'll probably take a visit to either Virginia or Virginia Tech.