Jaylen Brantley's journey to Maryland included stops at two high schools, a prep school, another Division I program and now, Odessa College, a junior college in Texas. The chip that the 5-foot-11 point guard will bring with him to College Park has been there even longer.
Brantley, who committed Monday to play for the Terps beginning next season, said he has "always been playing with a chip on my shoulder" since his days on the same Boston-based Amateur Athletic Union team with future Maryland teammate Jake Layman.
Brantley is the second transfer to commit to coach Mark Turgeon's program for the 2015 season, following Georgia Tech forward Robert Carter Jr., who came to Maryland over the summer and is currently sitting out as a redshirt. Brantley will have three years of eligibility remaining.
Considered a four-star prospect in high school, Brantley's career was derailed by an academic issue. Brantley said several high-major programs, including Virginia, backed off when they learned he was one high school core class short of being eligible for Division I.
After a fifth year at Notre Dame Prep in Massachusetts, he wound up at Marshall, where he sat out last season and left when coach Tom Herrion was fired.
"I think my story is pretty crazy, but I fought through it, persevered through it," Brantley said. "I've been through a lot of adversity in my life. I think this will be a great opportunity to show everybody what I'm capable of."
Those who have seen Brantley play characterize him as a point guard capable of both running a team and scoring.
Odessa College coach Tra Arnold only has seen Brantley in practice thus far, but he believes Brantley is a high-major college prospect.
"He's a really steady point guard that doesn't turn the ball over, that gets his teammates involved, that can run your team." said Arnold, whose previous point guard, Josh Gray, is now at Louisiana State.
Despite Brantley's size, Arnold said he "can get to the rim." And though he is considered a pass-first point guard, Brantley "is a really, really good shooter," Arnold said.
Turgeon is not allowed to comment on Brantley until after he signs his national letter of intent next month.