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Coach Prime Cooking, Huskers Add Another Raiola On the Recruiting Trail

Storylines on the recruiting trail include a Colorado four-star flip, a talented Maryland class, and the top uncommitted recruits

September 25, 2024
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Mar 30
Mar 30

By Justin Russell


Deion Sanders and The Buffs played the game of the year Saturday against Baylor. After a miraculous hail mary pass from Shadeur Sanders sent it into overtime, All-American Defensive Back Travis Hunter forced a fumble at the goalline to seal the win. The performance not only left an impression on the fans in Boulder, but a few big-time recruits in attendance were apparently impressed as well.

Antonio Branch

#436 NAT, #40 S, #62 FL

Miami, FL (Northwestern)

Branch was one of the visitors for the Colorado game and he flipped from Penn State shortly after the game. He’s a big, physical safety currently ranked 40th in the country at his position by 247Sports. The 6’2″, 172-pound Miami native is a hard hitter, with a reputation for being around the football. The opportunity to play early reportedly weighed heavily in his decision as Shilo Sanders and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig are both seniors.

Byron Baldwin

#224 NAT, #19 S, #5 MD

Baltimore, MD (St. Francis Academy)

Indiana commit Byron Baldwin is another Colorado flip candidate. 247Sports has the consensus four-star as the #19 safety nationally. He was also in attendance although the Buffaloes will have to battle for this commitment with Penn State, UCLA, and Indiana. This race will likely go to signing day in December.

Baldwin is a big, physical defensive back. His rare combination of size and speed will bring some toughness to an abysmal Colorado defense. He has the potential to make an immediate impact in both run and pass defense.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Byron Baldwin Jr. (@Byronbaldwin__ ) had a good time seeing Colorado's overtime victory in Boulder this weekend. pic.twitter.com/AUYVspcENc

— Let’s Talk Buffs (@LetsTalkBuffs) September 25, 2024

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Dayton Raiola

#583 NAT, #51 QB, #53 GA

Buford, GA (Buford)

Dayton Raiola, younger brother of current Cornhuskers starting QB and former five-star Dylan Raiola, is continuing the family legacy in Lincoln.

His father, Dominic Raiola, was an All-American for Nebraska and his uncle, Donovan, is the offensive line coach for the Huskers.

The Buford, GA native made his decision known early Sunday evening. He’s the first confirmed commit for Coach Matt Rhule‘s 2026 class. The talented lefty is currently in his first year as a starter at Buford High School. Dayton also held offers from Appalachian State and Charlotte before choosing Nebraska.

THE LEGACY CONTINUES🌽🎈#OHANA #COMMITTED pic.twitter.com/Ti7yd4tOTU

— Dayton Raiola (@DaytonRaiola) September 22, 2024


Maryland Stocking Up Homegrown Talent On Their Way To A Top 10 Recruiting Class In The Conference

Elsewhere in the Big 10, University of Maryland Coach Mike Locksley is using his deep connections to the historically talent-rich D.M.V. (D.C./Maryland/Virginia) area to bolster the trenches on both sides of the ball and improve the defense.

He’s secured commitments from the top ranked safety and interior offensive lineman in the state of Virginia, as well as the top defensive lineman in Washington D.C. for the c/o 2025.

Jaylen Gilchrist

#102 NAT, #6 IOL, #4 VA

Virginia Beach, VA (Salem)

Gilchrist recorded 44 pancake blocks as a junior and didn’t allow a sack all season. The 6’4.5″ 295-pounder had more than 30 offers and chose the Terrapins over finalists South Carolina and Georgia, among others.

Messiah Delhomme

#208 NAT, #16 S, #5 VA

Newport News, VA (Warwick)

The 4-star prospect led the number 1 scoring defense in the state of Virginia last season. He intercepted eight passes, returning two for touchdowns. Delhomme chose the Terrapins over Ohio State, Virginia Tech and Virginia. A broken leg suffered in the offseason will keep him sidelined the majority of his senior year.

Bryce Jenkins

#286 NAT, #31 DL, #3 DC

Washington, D.C. (Friendship Collegiate Academy)

The third-ranked player in Washington D.C chose Maryland over Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Penn State. Jenkins shows the ability to play both the 1 and 3 techniques, and can also play defensive end in a three-man front. The massive 6’5″ 315-pound DL possesses the size to stop the run plus the athleticism to chase down quarterbacks.

https://twitter.com/DCBarno/status/1819832180505210922


Top 4 Uncommitted 2025 Prospects

With national signing day a little over two months away, only four of the nation’s 5-star 2025 prospects, per 247 Sports remain uncommitted.

Elijah Griffin

#8 NAT, #1 DL, #1 GA

Savannah, GA (Savannah Christian Prep)

Prediction: Georgia

Griffin has narrowed his list to Georgia, Miami, and USC in July, and each is still pursuing the nation’s No. 1 defensive lineman. I like the Dawgs in this one.

Justus Terry

#12 NAT, #2 DL, #3 GA

Machester, GA (Manchester)

Prediction: Georgia

The colossal defensive lineman from Georgia was committed to USC at one point, but later decommitted. The two main contenders for his services are currently Alabama and Georgia, with the Bulldogs likely in the lead. Terry recently took a visit to the Crimson Tide, and may be in attendance this Saturday when the Tide hosts Georgia in primetime.

Andrew Babalola

#15 NAT, #3 OT, #1 KS

Overland Park, KS (Blue Valley Northwest)

Prediction: Michigan 

Michigan, Auburn, Oklahoma, Stanford, and Missouri are all in the running for the talented offensive tackle from the Sunflower State.

Michael Terry III

#20 NAT, #1 ATH, #7 TX

San Antonio, TX (Alamo Heights)

Prediction: Texas

Terry took official visits to Oregon, Nebraska and Texas in June. Each school is still reportedly in contention. He recently visited both the Cornhuskers and Longhorns, but Texas looks to be the favorite with a commitment expected any time.

Category: News, RecruitingTag: Andrew Babalola, Antonio Branch Jr, Bryce Jenkins, Byron Baldwin, Colorado Buffaloes, Colorado Buffaloes Recruiting, Dayton Raiola, Deion Sanders, Elijah Griffin, Georgia Bulldogs, Georgia Bulldogs Recruiting, Jaylen Gilchrist, Justus Terry, Maryland Terrapins, Maryland Terrapins Recruiting, Messiah Delhomme, Michael Terry, Michigan wolverines, Michigan Wolverines Recruiting, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Nebraska Cornhuskers Recruiting, Texas Longhorns, Texas Longhorns Recruiting
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