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Friendship Collegiate Academy (D.C.) senior Eddie Goldman, the nation’s No. 1 defensive tackle and fifth-ranked prospect overall, has long been considered a longshot to end up at Maryland. But with the expected hiring of Mike Locksley as offensive coordinator, the Terps are poised to at least get a long second look.

Goldman and Locksley don’t have a long-standing relationship, but the same can’t be said of Locksley and Friendship coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim. Would Locksley’s arrival get the Terps back in the mix?

“The thing is, yes, because I know him and I know what he stands for," Abdul-Rahim said. It’s really going to be up to Eddie, but regardless of what’s been said, he’s always been a good guy. He looks out for his recruits."

Abdul-Rahim said Locksley, who’s expected hiring has not been officially announced by the school, has a long track record of landing top players from the District and would put some clamps on the area’s floodgates; in recent years, the majority of top local prospects have gone elsewhere for college.

“This is one of the few places in America where everyone feels like they can come and get players. For example, Maryland’s not going to feel good about being able to go to Alabama to get players,” said Abdul-Rahim, the architect of a Friendship program that has emerged as one of the area’s top programs the past couple of years.

Of course, Locksley’s arrival would far from guarantee a commitment from Goldman, likely the most sought-after defensive lineman in the country. But Goldman, who’s been focusing on Miami, Florida State, Alabama and Auburn recently, will likely take an official visit to Maryland in early or mid-January, his coach said.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to have that swagger here. You’ve got to be able to stand up for where you’re from,” he said. “D.C. is a finicky area. He could make a big difference. He’s always been a great recruiter. And he’s a great coach.”

Goldman’s teammate, WVU commit Albert Reid, visited Maryland last weekend and is in the process of deciding between Maryland, West Virginia and Iowa. He’ll likely decide after winter break, Abdul-Rahim said.

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