IMG Academy (Fla.) 5-star defensive end Joshua Kaindoh de-committed from the University of Maryland, he announced today on his Twitter account.
Will be announcing my final decision January 1st at the UA game!! pic.twitter.com/Us7ddFevbr
— Joshua Kaindoh (@_jkaindoh) November 29, 2016
He initially committed to Maryland on April 30, 2016. Kaindoh was the highest-rated prospect to commit to Maryland since Stefon Diggs in 2012. The 6-foot-6 235-pound defensive end headlined what was, and still is, shaping up to be Maryland’s highest-rated class ever.
Despite Kaindoh reopening his recruitment, other local blue-chip prospects remain committed. Deon Jones now headlines the class along with other 4-star prospects Kasim Hill and Cam Spence.
Without Kaindoh, Maryland’s Class of 2017 drops from 15th to 18th in the nation, but remains 3rd in the Big Ten.
For the second time in as many recruiting cycles, the Maryland Terrapins have been spurned by a local blue-chip prospect. Last cycle it was Dwayne Haskins and Keandre Jones leaving Maryland at the altar for Urban Meyer and The Ohio State University.
This time around it’s Kaindoh leaving Maryland behind for greener grass. It’s nothing new, but it hurts all the same.
While Kaindoh’s loss is a setback for the Class of ’17, Maryland is still in a solid position moving forward. The DMV is a talent-rich area with loads of power-5 level talent every year. DJ Durkin’s vision of awakening a “sleeping monster” at Maryland is still very much attainable. That monster is just hitting the snooze button for right now.
Jared Goldstein
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