Terps land VA sleeper ATH

Falmouth (Va.) Stafford Senior athlete Dexter McDougle made a commitment on Saturday. Where did the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder commit to and who else had been recruiting him?

"It was my first official visit and I went to Maryland," he said. "They showed me around, showed me the educational opportunities which are real important to me. They aren't just worried about me as a football player, but also as a person. They care about me and it's a family thing there. I figure I could help the program out. Plus, it's not too far from home. That's why I committed."

McDougle gave his pledge to Ralph Friedgen on Saturday.

"I talked to him yesterday before we went to dinner," he said. "He was happy. They had been waiting to see what I was going to do. They had five recruits up there and two had already committed. They kept telling us they need other guys and looked at me with this funny face."

McDougle went further on his choice for the Terrapins.

"I liked the campus, it's a big campus," he said. "It's metropolitan. There is a lot ot do and it's nice. That's where I wanted to be.

"I really like Coach Brattan too. He recruited me and he's a good guy. He recruited my former teammate Torrey Smith. My dad loved him. I like my position coach too, Coach Lempa. He's funny and laid back."

McDougle held the offer from Maryland for approximately a month. Who else offered him?

"I had offers from just about every I-AA school, Akron, Virginia Tech, Maryland and South Carolina was interested, they wanted to see me."

As for his position, Maryland sees McDougle as a defensive back.

"They are losing I believe eight defensive backs in the next couple years, so there is a good chance if I redshirt to play a year from now."

The Commonwealth athlete went on about his abilities.

"I'm a team player, it's not just about me," he said. "I always praise my quarterback and linemen. Without them I wouldn't be going where I am. I make plays, but most of all I'm a team player."