Maryland is Growing on Quince Orchard DT Kerr

It’s been difficult for Quince Orchard (Md.) defensive tackle Zach Kerr to form a list of favorite schools, as he’s been hard at work in the classroom trying to make up for past slip-ups. But these days, the 6-3, 315-pound Kerr has a newfound enthusiasm about school, a growing list of offers and an ever-increasing level of interest in the University of Maryland.

Kerr made his fifth trip to College Park last week and said his eyes have been opened to Maryland as potentially the best place for him. Though he has not chosen a leader, it’s clear the Terps have at least as good a shot as anyone.

“The visit went great. I got to sit down and talk for a while with coach Sollazzo as well as coach Friedgen, watched the players work out and we walked around the campus a little bit,” Kerr said.

It’s clear the Terps have made Kerr a top priority this year. Sollazzo, who would coach him on the defensive line should he become a Terp, has made the interest abundantly clear to him.

Though he may not have national accolades, in part because he missed his sophomore year, Kerr is just about as naturally talented a defensive tackle you’ll find in the region. Quick and explosive, and can dunk a basketball from a standstill and run a 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds. Last year he was named all-county in Montgomery County after recording 55 tackles, seven tackles for loss and six sacks.

“Maryland seems to be getting more interested day-bay-day,” he said. “They really want me. [Friedgen] says they will stick by my side. They’re really excited to see me play for the University of Maryland.”

“Maryland is gonna be real good next year – real good,” he said, adding, “It’s close to home and a good academic school. I like Maryland, I really do.”

Still, this one is no done deal. Kerr holds offers from Rutgers, Penn State, Virginia Tech and Connecticut, among others. He grew up a Virginia Tech fan, daydreaming of being a Hokie, but he’s starting to sound like he realizes there is a difference between childhood favorites based on watching games on TV and actually choosing a college.

“I liked Virginia Tech a lot growing up,” he said. “I was a kid back then, but now everything is changing.”

Part of the change has been his academic re-focusing. He’s been in school all summer and says he should earn a ‘B’ that will put him on track to qualify, as long as he gets the SAT score. He also won’t be committing any time soon, it seems; he plans to take five official visits during the season before deciding.