COLLEGE PARK — One of the nation's top high school programs is about two miles down Route 1 from the Maryland campus, but the Terps have mostly failed to capitalize on their proximity to DeMatha during the past few recruiting cycles.
But it appears that DJ Durkin could be on the verge of reversing that trend.
During Tuesday's media day in College Park, Durkin and other Terps coaches and players were complimentary of the quartet of DeMatha players Maryland signed back in February — offensive lineman Terrence Davis, running back Lorenzo Harrison and wide receivers Tino Ellis and DJ Turner — and think those former high school standouts can make a significant impact in their careers.
"The DeMatha guys are all big-time," Durkin said. "All four of those guys came in ... we got what we thought we were getting. They've done extremely well throughout camp. Those guys will all be guys that will contribute and help us and play and have very bright futures here."
All four of those players were in the top 25 of players in the state of Maryland, according to the 247sports.com composite rankings, and their recruitment fits into Durkin's plan to keep the state's top local talent home. None of Maryland's 16 commitments in the Class of 2017 are from DeMatha, but two of the top three uncommitted prospects in the state play their high school football there.
And the quartet of Stags — who are slated to be the first DeMatha contributors at Maryland since Kenny Tate in 2012 — could have opened the door.
"What a thrill to be able to get all those DeMatha guys as part of this class," Durkin said on national signing day in February. "Elijah Brooks and his program there, it doesn't get any better than that in being right down the road. It's been some time since there's been a DeMatha player in this program, and I can tell you one thing, we're going to be going back there next year too. We're going to try to stake claim to the area as much as we can."
The early impact of Davis, Harrison, Turner and Ellis has been observed by their coaches and classmates. Offensive coordinator Walt Bell said the group is ahead of many of their classmates physically because of the quality of the program.
"We got a lot of freshmen that can ball, especially from DeMatha," freshman quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome said. "You got DJ Turner, Lorenzo and you got Terrence Davis and you got Tino Ellis. Them some ballers from a big high school like that."
It remains to be seen how quickly those four will be able to contribute in College Park, with logjams on the offensive line and at wide receiver potentially blocking the way for Davis, Turner and Ellis. But Harrison drew some rave reviews for his early performance and camp, and Durkin has been adamant that the best players who can compete and contribute will play, which could open the door for them to make an early impact.
"All those DeMatha kids are special," Bell said. "I have no idea how much or when, but all four of those kids in their careers are going to be — you don't want to heap praise and them feel like they're going to let somebody down — but I feel like all four of those kids have the chance to be special."
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