Troutman takes Maryland unofficial

Three-star defensive end Johnnie Troutman out of Browns Mill (N.J.) Pemberton Township took a trip to College Park last Thursday to check out the game between Virginia Tech and Maryland. The Terps are one of five teams still in the running for the 6-foot-4, 289-pounder. What did Troutman think of the game and where does Maryland stand for the strongside defensive end prospect now?

"I thought it was a good game until the second half and then Maryland's defense got tired from running around and started giving up big plays," he said. "I felt earlier in the game the defense played tough and they were really stopping Virginia Tech's running game and being physical.

"The atmosphere up there was alright, but there were a lot of Virginia Tech fans there so that was a little difficult. I'd say overall they are pretty much the same as before because I had a good feeling for them the first time I visited."

The No. 22 strongside defensive end in the country hasn't scheduled any official visits yet.

"I'm just beginning to consider those and I know I'll be headed to Penn State sometime at the beginning of December, right now I don't have a date scheduled," he said. "I'm still looking at the other schools too for officials, but I haven't thought about visits with them either."

Troutman has maintained his list of five favorites for some time. What stands out about those schools?

Penn State: "They have a nice coaching staff and everyone is really friendly up there."

Maryland: "They also have a good coaching staff especially coach Sollazzo because he is really loud and outgoing."

Ohio State: "They have a great tradition of winning there and are always in the hunt for a national championship."

Boston College: "Their team has been good for a while and now they are showing that they are a top ten team."

Virginia: "Last year they had a great season and usually they're in the top 25. They consistently have good teams and are winning games."

Since being sidelined for the remainder of the season with an injury, Troutman has become a cheerleader and coach for Pemberton Township.

"It's alright being on the sideline as I'm just helping out my teammates instead," he said. "I'm acting more like a coach now and it's very similar to what would happen during practice as guys come up and ask me stuff. It's pretty good."