Editor's note: InsideMdSports.com provides this blog with a Maryland recruiting feature that previously appeared as premium content on its site.
Less than 24 hours after Dwayne Haskins Jr. committed to Maryland, Chaminade (Ohio) defensive tackle Jeffery Pooler followed suit during Haskins' interview on ESPN 980.
"I just wanted to talk it over with my family before I made the decision," Pooler said. "Purdue and Boston College said they'd offer me this week, and I was hearing from other schools, but I just kept talking to my coaches, my family. Everyone was really telling me that Maryland is the best fit, and I agree. They're a big-time program, and I think I fit in really well there."
Pooler, a 6-foot-4, 272-pound junior, said he's "all Maryland" and has no plans of checking out any other schools.
"There just didn't seem like another program out there that had what I wanted in a school," he said.
Despite the 500 miles separating Dayton and Washington, location was a factor.
"For me, I had family in Baltimore, so that played a role for me, just knowing I'd have people there that I can lean on if I need it," Pooler said. "And Dwayne and I have been talking for a couple of weeks now. I can't say his decision is the reason I committed, but it could've helped. When I found out Haskins was going to Maryland, I just started looking over all my options. Maryland had the best coaching staff, rising program. I felt comfortable with them, fit in the defensive scheme. Everything just fell into place with Maryland."
Pooler told the Terps' whole coaching staff, but he said it was coach Chad Wilt who had the best reaction.
"He''s actually at a barbecue in Indiana with his family, but I called him and he started going crazy," Pooler said with a laugh. "He showed so much excitement and passion; that's what I liked most about him throughout the recruiting process. But I'm excited for the opportunity."
After pulling the trigger, Pooler will look to bring in another Ohio native.
"I'm going to get my body right, prepare for Maryland, but I'll bring Tommy Carnifax to Maryland," he said. "He has some big schools making an impression on him. I'm going to get him. That's my goal."
Watch highlights of Pooler here.
To gain access to all of InsideMDSports.com's premium Maryland basketball, football and recruiting content, click HERE.