I'm hearing Zymear Smith will announce his commitment on Friday, after initially thinking he'd possibly announce Aug. 1. I'm still awaiting final details. I was also told he's likely to start out at WR for the Terps but there is a lot of flexibility there and the door is wide open for him to play DB if he prefers. Obviously, Terps still in excellent shape here.

As for other big-time targets still on the board, Rivals250 OL Jaylen Gilchrist will announce Aug. 3. He is officially down to the Terps, Cocks and Georgia. Terps are right there, but at this point I'm not sure I can call them the leaders. They might still have a bit of ground to make up with this one. But we will see what happens here in the home stretch over the next few days.

But the good news is Zymear Smith should be officially on board to start the weekend, giving the Terps a 5th four-star in the class.

COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Senior safety Dante Trader Jr. has been named an Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominee, the American Football Coaches Association announced today, July 17.

Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football athletes for their unwavering commitment to community service and their "good works" off the field. This year's 178 nominees champion causes including mental health awareness, youth mentorship, hunger relief, domestic abuse prevention, and many more. In addition to being actively involved with a charitable organization or service group, each player must also maintain strong academic standing to be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Trader Jr. has been a staple in the community throughout his time in College Park. The Delmar, DE native co-hosts the One Speed Podcast, a podcast that addresses topics beyond football. Additionally, he helped organize and lead the One Speed Backpack Drive last year, raising over $10,000 for it and supplying over 200 fully-loaded backpacks for J.C. Nalle Elementary School in Washington, D.C. A 2023 CSC Academic All-District honoree, Trader Jr. also frequently takes part in community service events where he works with underprivileged youth in the DMV area.

The senior has tallied 131 tackles (86 solo) and four interceptions across 25 games in three years in College Park. He has earned preseason All-Big Ten honors from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele ahead of the 2024 season.

The final roster of the 23 Allstate AFCA Good Works award recipients will be announced later in September. All members are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches and journalists who look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field.

58. Mike Locksley (Maryland)©G Fiume/Getty Images
It's been a mixed bag for Mike Locksley since coming back home to run his hometown program. The Terrapins are coming off three straight winning seasons (and three bowl wins in a row). With Locksley's immense recruiting ability, Maryland has been able to attract some good talent within its program. On the other hand, Maryland hasn't shown much to indicate it can actually compete seriously in the Big Ten. Locksley's career record at Maryland through six years is 29-33 (15-32 in conference play).