February 01, 2012|By Matt Bracken | The Baltimore Sun
When Willingboro's starting quarterback went down with an injury, Culmer moved from wide receiver to running back to get more touches. The results were 537 yards rushing on 68 carries, 38 receptions for 684 yards and 12 total touchdowns, plus three interceptions at free safety. Culmer's a versatile prospect that could play defense as well, but he's dangerous with the ball in his hands. "He’s got decent size and he runs real well," said Willingboro coach Reggie Lawrence. "He makes plays when he gets the ball."
P.J. Gallo -- Council Rock South (Pa.), tight end, 6-4, 235 pounds, 4.8 40
In Council Rock South's triple-option offense, Gallo didn't get many chances to make a play, catching just 14 passes for 185 yards. But at inside linebacker, Gallo was a beast, finishing the year with 144 tackles, seven pass breakups, seven quarterback hurries, six tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and three blocked kicks. "It shows just how much versatility he has," said Council Rock South coach Vince Bedesem. "There were multiple positions that he was being recruited for while the process was going on.”
Perry Hills -- Pittsburgh Central Catholic, quarterback, 6-3, 205, 4.57 40
Between Hills and Rowe, Farrell said Maryland has its quarterback of the future. Hills, an all-state wrestler, is a pro-style quarterback and also a game-breaking runner. Toughness will not be issue with this future Terp. “They think his upside is tremendous,” said PCC coach Terry Totten. “He’s going to be about a 6-2, 240-pounder who can run. He is getting better and better. I think his potential is off the charts. I think they got themselves a good quarterback who for four years will help that program.”
Levern Jacobs -- Milford Academy (N.Y.), wide receiver, 5-11, 172 pounds, 4.4 40
The Suitland High grad went to Milford Academy for a post-grad year as a Marshall commitment, but switched his pledge to Maryland when the Terps extended an offer in January. Farrell identified Jacobs as one of the Terps' recruits with the most potential. "He’s a fifth-year kid, and [Milford] coach [Bill] Chaplick raves about him. He was skinny as heck the last time I saw him. He just needs to get stronger and faster. But he could be a very good recruit for them."
Albert Reid -- Friendship Collegiate (D.C.), running back, 5-10 1/2, 190 pounds, 4.5 40
A one-time West Virginia commitment, Reid committed to the Terps this month thanks in large part to the reputation of Maryland's mechanical engineering program. A four-star prospect according to Scout and ESPN, Reid had 225 carries for 1,705 yards, six catches for 39 yards and 17 total touchdowns as a senior. “He has a very unique running style," said Friendship running backs coach Minoso Rodgers. "He runs very physical with explosion. He has very good explosiveness. When he sees it, he runs.”
Joe Riddle -- Linganore, running back, 6-2, 200 pounds, 4.4
Riddle could potentially be a factor on either side of the ball, but he'll start out as a running back and return specialist. In an injury-shortened senior season, Riddle rushed for 917 yards and nine touchdowns on 111 carries, plus two catches for 46 yards and one TD. “He's self-motivated and brings an incredible talent level," said Linganore coach Rick Conner. "He's one of the best we've ever had. The best football is ahead of him.”
DEFENSE
Roman Braglio -- McDonogh, defensive end, 6-4, 240 pounds, 4.65 40
A Baltimore Sun first-team All-Metro selection, Braglio was Maryland's second commitment of the 2012 class. He had a monster senior season for the Eagles, finishing the year with 83 tackles and 16 sacks. Braglio was best known for his impressive speed -- especially for someone of his size. “I just think his general toughness and ability to play hard both ways … is really tough to do, especially when you're a lineman," said McDonogh coach Dom Damico. "You're playing 130 snaps a game against really good competition."
Brock Dean -- Bishop McDevitt (Pa.), linebacker, 6-1, 217 pounds, 4.6 40
Dean was a leader on the field and off for McDevitt, a perennial national power. The three-star prospect, who picked Maryland over Pittsburgh and Temple, accumulated 92 tackles (42 solo), seven sacks, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles, one pass breakup and one interception. "Sometimes as a college coach, all they see from a high school linebacker is plugging the run, plugging the run, plugging the run," said Bishop McDevitt coach Jeff Weachter. "With Brock you’ll see he’s really moving in space and doing a lot of things defensively. He’s going to be able to move and do a lot of things defensively there.”
Stefan Houston -- Clarksburg, linebacker, 6-2, 200 pounds
