Terps enter Cushing race

Welcome to the party Maryland fans. The Terps are now a serious player for Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic linebacker Brian Cushing after his recent unofficial visit.

"It was really nice," said the 6-foot-4, 216-pounder. "I never knew College Park was so nice. I was very impressed with the visit and the location was great."

Cushing also liked the coaching staff and opportunity at Maryland.

"Coach Friedgen was great, he's a really good guy," he said. "Coach Sollazzo is a trip, he's funny and coach Franklin was cool as well. They want me to play strong safety which is something I'm interested in. They said I would probably start this year, they liked my film that much. They need defensive backs who can come in and impact. They said they need players like me who can help them reach the next step in the ACC."

Cushing went on the visit with his teammate and Maryland verbal Isaiah Williams and Cushing's father.

"My dad really liked it, I think my family would really like me to stay close to home if possible," he said. "Maryland is only four hours away. Isaiah really wants me there as well and we're good friends."

Cushing's top eight has now changed a bit.

"I have official visits set up with Southern Cal (Dec. 17) and Miami (Dec. 10) and I know I'm going to take an official visit to Virginia in January," Cushing said. "The last two visits will be between Maryland, Boston College, Penn State, Ohio State and Oklahoma."

Who leads?

"I still like Southern Cal and Virginia a lot, but naming a leader seems to be pointless now since I have official visits to take and new schools emerge," he said. "I almost committed to USC last week, but I'm going focus on the season, take my officials and decide late in the process."

Any other unofficials coming up?

"I want to go to Boston College in the next couple weeks for a scrimmage," he said. "They're close enough so I can get there easily. Beyond that it will be official visits."

As a junior, Cushing made 120 tackles and had 10 sacks playing strong safety. He will the same position this upcoming year as well as wideout and running back on offense.