Arguably the most important high school commitment of coach Mike Locksley's tenure at Maryland took place Friday when Top247 quarterback Malik Washington announced he was staying local to play for the Terps.
The Severn (Md.) Archbishop Spalding four-star prospect made the call live on the 247Sports YouTube channel, and it brought an end to a years-long recruitment in which he was placed atop Maryland's class of 2025 recruiting board.
Location played a role in the process, but so did playing for Locksley, who is coaching the quarterbacks.
"The ability to stay home (was important)," the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Washington said. "My parents never pressured me to stay home or stay close or anything like that, but it was a decision I wanted to make for myself.
"I have my little brother here running around, and I want to be able to watch him and my little sisters grow up. If I can do it from home, why not do it from home? "
VIP: How coach Mike Locksley landed Top247 QB Malik Washington's commitment
Washington is a dynamic dual sport athlete who also plays basketball and had interest from schools early in his high school career before he decided to pursue football in college.
He excelled the last two seasons and was 21-3 as a starter. He completed 195 of 313 passes for 2,093 yards, 21 touchdowns and nine touchdowns last season. As a sophomore, he completed 221 of 370 passes for 2,979 yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Here's everything you need to know:
WHAT MALIK WASHINGTON SAYS ABOUT MARYLAND
"I feel like Maryland's program is on the come-up," Washington said. "Winning three bowl games back-to-back-to-back, they are moving in the right direction. They just need a couple of key pieces to push them over the edge to reach that national level."
WHO ELSE WAS IN THE MIX?
Washington had a host of offers but he trimmed it to four in the spring and he made official visits to Virginia Tech, Syracuse, UCF and Maryland. His official to Virginia Tech coincided with the spring game, and the Hokies made a big impression but the Terps were always lurking. Proximity to home was always a consideration for Washington, and his ability to make easy visits to Maryland gave the Terps a leg up. His relationship with coach Mike Locksley and several friends within the program turned out to be pivotal factors in the Terps landing him.
WHERE MALIK WASHINGTON RANKS AS A RECRUIT
Washington has a 247Sports grade of 91, which makes him the No. 3 player in Maryland, and the No. 14 quarterback and No. 180 player in the nation. The industry-generated 247Sports Composite has Washington as the No. 23 quarterback and the No. 276 player in the class of 2025.
HOW MALIK WASHINGTON FITS WITH MARYLAND
Washington is the local dynamic quarterback the Terps needed to land not only because of his talent, but his connection to other prospects. Washington is the first four-star quarterback to commit to Maryland during Locksley's tenure. He is set to enroll in January 2025, and after getting through the spring he is expected to challenge to be on the depth chart for his freshman season. He is part of a strong contingent of in-state prospects, including Pikesville (Md.) Mergenthaler receiver Justin DeVaughn and Gaithersburg (Md.) Quince Orchard running back Iverson Howard, to commit to Maryland in the class.
WHAT WE THINK ABOUT MALIK WASHINGTON
Andrew Ivins, who is the director of scouting for 247Sports, saw Washington live on a pair of occasions in the last five weeks.
"Play-making quarterback that excels as a middle-third passer," Ivins said. "Owns a promising multi-sport profile and has tested in the upper percentile: 4.65 in the 40-yard dash to go along with a 4.38 in the short shuttle at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds. Dangerous as a runner and will make things happen as a scrambler, but tries to get the job done from the pocket as he works through his progressions.
"Usually poised in the face of pressure and can get the ball out fast as he will shorten his release or change arm angles. Tends to serve up a tight spiral and has the velocity to attack the perimeter. Not a ton of deep shots on the highlight reel, but has the touch to connect with targets that break containment.
"Turned in an overall solid showing at the Elite 11 Finals and impressed the staff working the event with his desire to get better. Enters senior season with a 21-3 record and multiple championships to his name. Should be viewed as an exciting dual-threat talent that can win at the Power Four level with some seasoning. Likely to find most success in a modern spread attack that wants to move him around and utilize his legs."
