Mount St. Joseph's Keon Lattimore, a two-time All-Metro running back and wide receiver, said last night that he has orally committed to a full football scholarship to attend the University of Maryland.

The brother of Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, Lattimore said proximity to his family was a factor in his decision, along with Terps coach Ralph Friedgen's vow to "give me a shot as a running back-wide receiver type."

"I'm close to my family. That was really my main focus," said the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Lattimore, who has clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash. "Being 45 minutes away from them, I can stay focused."

Lattimore said he had scheduled a visit with Maryland next weekend, where he was to be joined by two-time All-Metro players Ambrose Wooden and Victor Abiamiri of Gilman, The Sun's 2002 Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year. Lattimore will cancel scheduled visits with Virginia, N.C. State, Michigan State and West Virginia.

"I'm ready to tell them in a nice way that I've made my decision and I'm sorry it didn't work out for them," said Lattimore, who rushed for 702 yards and nine touchdowns and caught seven touchdown passes this season. "I think I can make an impact at Maryland. I think we can win a national championship."

The University of Miami, Lewis' alma mater, wanted Lattimore as a defensive back but was lukewarm in its recruiting, he said.

Meanwhile, Lattimore said he has decided he will play basketball for the Gaels, after saying he would forgo that sport to train and prepare for collegiate football.