Terps land huge commitment

The Maryland Terrapins are rolling along when it comes to recruiting. Ralph Friedgen and company just landed another one of their top targets.

"Jared committed to Maryland this morning," said Greenbelt (Md.) Eleanor Roosevelt head coach Rick Houchens of 6-foot-9, 300-pound defensive tackle Jared Gaither. "He thought long and hard about this, but decided he wanted to attend Maryland, even without visiting anyone in January. He felt comfortable with the coaches and his opportunity to play early there."

Gaither was supposed to visit Georgia, Florida and Clemson in January, but decided to end things after his official visit to College Park on Dec. 5.

"He came back and wanted to commit, but I wanted him to take some time and think," said Houchens. "Every day since then he's thought long and hard about it and he's very comfortable with his decision."

Gaither was originally a basketball prospect and had committed to South Carolina to play hoops. Now he'll play football only at Maryland.

"He's so quick for his size he'll be a great defensive tackle for Maryland," said Houchens. "He's a great pickup for them."