Jake LaymanBy Paul Seaver (TheArenaPulse)
While sporting their new uniforms on Monday night, Maryland's football team secured a season-opening victory against Miami (FL).
However, the victory on the football field wasn't the only victory for the university.
Late Monday night, the Terrapins and newly appointed head coach Mark Turgeon received the verbal commitment of rising 2012 forward Jake Layman.
Layman becomes the third commitment for the Terps in 2012.
The 6-foot-8 forward currently attends King Philip Regional H.S. (MA) in Wrentham, Massachusetts, dominating the level of play.
Layman's recruiting had noticeably been on-the-rise over the course of the past year or so, as big-time interests began rolling in.
The long, athletic forward has the ability to play the four-position, but is also not shy about stepping up beyond the arc. A member of the BABC squad on the AAU circuit, Layman showed his defensive skills on numerous occasions, anchoring the top of BABC's half-court trap.
While earning a No. 7 seed in the Division II-South bracket as part of the MIAA state tournament this past February, Layman and his King Philip teammates made a run at the sectional title before ultimately falling in the district finals.
Reports indicated that Layman was preparing to take visits to Maryland, Florida, Syracuse, and Louisville, prior to his decision. His announcement and cancellation of the other, expected trips helped prove his solidarity to Maryland.
Coming off an impressive junior campaign and excellent summer with BABC, Layman has risen in the rankings to No. 53 overall, according to ESPNU. Scout labels Layman at No. 41.
The local-Massachusetts product has already made the decision to return to King Philip this upcoming season, giving the Warriors an excellent shot at the district in 2011-12.
Layman joins the previously committed Shaquille Cleare and Seth Allen, among the Terps' 2012 commits.
In other Maryland-related recruiting news, another 2012 target might also be heading their way. Well, there is a 50-50 shot.
According to a report by the Washington Post, DeMatha (MD) product Jerami Grant is nearing a decision, and it is one that could come as early as Tuesday.
Grant, a 6-foot-7 forward, is currently ranked at No. 43 overall, according to ESPNU.
The report indicates that Grant is expected to choose between Maryland and Rutgers. It is unclear if Layman's decision will help sway Grant in either direction.
Regardless, head coach Mark Turgeon is seemingly hitting the recruiting trail hard in an effort to keep Maryland going following Gary Williams' decision to retire.
*Photo: Jake Layman
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Original Story:
http://www.thearenapulse.com/2011/09/...
