The dream of every high school athlete is to eventually sign their National Letter of Intent, cementing their opportunity to play at the next level. Wednesday the dream came true for Middletown High School senior Will McClain.
McClain, a three-star recruit and number 34 player in the state, chose Maryland over West Virginia University and Temple University among others.
“I like the coaches a lot better at University of Maryland than at WVU,” said McClain. “That was the main factor.”
McClain is the Middletown Football program’s fourth major Division I recruit in four years. He joins Syracuse WR Ben Lewis, Florida State DE Rick Leonard and Clemson OL Justin Falcinelli among the ranks of Knights playing major college football.
McClain has started the past two years for the Knights, playing right tackle on the Middletown state title team in 2013, and left tackle in 2014.
The signing culminated what has been a great high school career for McClain, who earned first-team all-state, small school honors in 2014.
“When I verbally committed [to Maryland] it was a huge relief,” said McClain. “Today was just full of excitement.”
McClain joins a recruiting class at Maryland that boasts 18 players, including four other offensive linemen. The Terps class is ranked number 43 in the nation, according to Scout.com. Number 43 marks Maryland’s lowest ranking since the hiring of Randy Edsall.
“I think I can bring size to the offensive line,” said McClain. “That was [Maryland’s] biggest problem when they joined the BIG 10.”
At 6’5” and 290 lbs, McClain certainly possesses the size that Maryland was looking for on the offensive line.
“Last season, our offensive line was small compared to the Ohio State’s and Michigan State’s of the world,” said McClain.
Maryland finished its first season in the BIG 10 with a 7-6 record, and fell to Stanford 45-21 in the Foster Farms bowl.
Linganore offensive lineman E.J.Donahue, and potential NFL prospect is expected to red shirt next year, according to S.B. Nation. McClain will likely do the same.
After being just minutes away from committing to West Virginia Universtiy, McClain is ecstatic when talking about his future at University of Maryland.
“The academics are great there,” said McClain. “It’s also close to home so my family and friends can come see me play.”
McClain hopes to major in sports medicine or criminal justice, and Maryland’s academic prowess gives him the perfect forum to do so.
“The signing was all about excitement and happiness,” said McClain. “It’s exciting to know I’m officially going there now.”
