Three-star OT commits to Terps

Ralph Friedgen and Maryland added a commitment along the offensive line today in Hampton (Va.) Phoebus offensive tackle Maurice Hampton. The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder committed to the Terrapins over a heated battle with Virginia Tech along with offers from South Carolina and North Carolina State.

"I called coach Brattan and told him I was committing," he said. "He was excited and happy to hear the news. After that, I cancelled my visit to Virginia Tech and now he just wants me to worry about working on my grades.

"After I told him, he didn't say too much. He basically told me that they really needed a lineman and look forward to seeing me this summer."

What made the three-star prospect select College Park to be his future home?

"It's a good school that is close to home and there's really nothing to disapprove of," he said. "I hadn't taken my official to Virginia Tech, but I've been there a few times. The thing with them was that I only talked to Frank Beamer and coach Cavanaugh. I never met the offensive line coach and it just felt like I was going through the motions with them. I know in past years some of my teammates have gone there, but Virginia Tech is not for everybody. I could see myself being successful at Maryland.

"Aside from that, I really liked the players there. They were cool and laid back like me. I really got along well with Dane Randolph and the rest of the offensive line. Those guys treated me like family and are enjoying life in college."

The academics at Maryland were also a factor in his decision.

"Over the weekend I met the professor for engineering and she kept things interesting," he said. "I never got bored for one second and she talked about it for an hour and a half. I really enjoyed that part too."

According to the Maryland coaches, the No. 36 offensive tackle in the country will likely redshirt as a freshman and get a chance to compete his sophomore year.