Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Maryland flips four-star WR Jacobs
By Brad Bournival
In the end, the pull toward home was too much for four-star receiver Taivon Jacobs (Forestville, Md./Suitland) to pass up.
An Ohio State commit since July, the four-star wide receiver chose Maryland over the Buckeyes.
It happened Wednesday when Jacobs decided to play with his brother Levern Jacobs, who is also a wide receiver for the Terrapins, and to stay close to his 1-year-old daughter.
In doing so, Jacobs joined a receiving unit from the recruiting class of 2013 for Maryland that includes four-star top recruit Deon Long (Washington, D.C./Iowa Western)
As a senior, Jacobs accumulated 1,065 receiving yards and scored 15 touchdowns.
What is the impact of Jacobs' decision nationally?
What it means for Maryland: A lot. The Terrapins now have a complement to four-star junior college standout Deon Long. The commitment also reunites Jacobs with his brother.
What it means for Ohio State: It’s not a devastating loss as Dontre Wilson, Corey Smith, James Clark and Jalin Marshall -- all four-star seniors -- have signed with the Buckeyes. It would have been nice for the Buckeyes to grab another speedy threat, but there are other positions of need, and it opened up a needed scholarship spot.
Turning point: It came Tuesday. Jacobs had second thoughts and acted on them.
Surprise (scale of 1-5): 2. Jacobs had been an Ohio State commitment since July, but is also a father. A chance to stay close to home and be with his family made a lot of sense.
Immediate impact (scale of 1-5): 3. The receiving unit for Maryland is very young. With his brother already on the team, Taivon can learn fast and make a dent in the Terrapins offense sooner instead of later.
