Kellan Wyatt to Maryland: How it Happened & What it Means
It wasn’t a decision that was expected today, but it was a commitment that was always in play for Maryland. Archbishop Spalding (MD) outside linebacker Kellan Wyatt pulled the trigger on Sunday afternoon to give Maryland their first in-state commit and second in the class.
The Terps weren’t the first offer for Wyatt as Liberty and UMass jumped in first, but the depth and genuine relationship that Wyatt and the Maryland staff built since the offer came to fruition in June of 2019. Outside linebacker coach Brawley Evans and defensive line coach Brian Williams cultivated that relationship while a handful of unofficial visits helped strengthen it with he and the full staff, including head coach Mike Locksley.
It helped that Locksley and Williams followed through with a September 1 call to Wyatt on the first day possible “to keep in touch and stuff.” Relationships with strong in his recruitment as Syracuse was the second Power Five school to offer, but the Terps had the inside track from the beginning.
After contemplating a commitment in recent weeks, Wyatt credits “the relationship I have with them” as the reason for pulling the trigger on Sunday. “Me knowing that they love me and I love them and I got tired of waiting, honestly,” Wyatt told All Terrapins following the decision. The desire to stay closer to home helps Maryland and now, the Terps add another strong addition to the linebacker room.
Kellan @KellanWyatt & Zakee @ZakeeWheatley is getting better day by day and the intensity of their workouts is getting harder and harder. Good run this morning guys 👍@CoachTimBanks@TylerBowen @Maryerice @od_zach @iamjahmeer @CurtisUpNext23 pic.twitter.com/QbKz7HGLLa
— Ferron Carter (@dspmd) September 9, 2020
Wyatt could grow into a JACK or SAM linebacker as he’s already up ten pounds from last season to 225 pounds heading into his junior year. SAM linebacker fits him best as Archbishop Spalding head coach Kyle Schmitt spoke highly of his captain. "Named captain as a sophomore, he's just as dependable as a player as he is a person," Schmitt told All Terrapins. "Chance to play in the edge of the box. Smartest kid in the program, knows the defense. Think he will be a special teams guy for them immediately."
Wyatt showed good awareness in pass coverage and is stout in the open field to come down with the tackle. His role as a spunk safety in the Cavalier defense gave him ample reps in pass coverage covering the receiver on the edge or down the seam, making in an effortless transition into the SAM when he arrives in College Park. Already a strong downhill linebacker, Wyatt carried 215 well last season and has a strong nose for the football and his pursuit helps him find himself around the tackle. His offseason spent adding muscle to his frame while maintaining his versatility could pay dividends in run support and with two years left of high school football, Wyatt can blossom as the next defensive star in the Archbishop Spalding defense.
220yds
— Ferron Carter (@dspmd) September 7, 2020
I love it when Zakee & Kellan challenge each other. After Kellan won set # 7 Zakee kicked it into another gear 😂😂 on set # 8.@CoachTimBanks @TylerBowen @ZakeeWheatley @KellanWyatt @UVAStrength pic.twitter.com/ruDF2HmCB4
Quality pickup from Maryland on a prospect with ample room to go before he arrives in College Park. With a young core of linebackers already in Cortez Andrews, Ruben Hyppolite and Durell Nchami, Wyatt helps stockpile a unit that has already blossomed as the strength of the defense.
