In a significant development for the Maryland football program, highly sought-after quarterback Malik Washington has decided to stay close to home and commit to the University of Maryland. This momentous commitment marks a pivotal milestone for head coach Mike Locksley's tenure at Maryland.

Hailing from Severn, Maryland, Washington, a four-star prospect from Archbishop Spalding High School, made his announcement during a live stream on the 247Sports YouTube channel. With his commitment, Washington solidifies his position as the top recruit on Maryland's class of 2025 recruiting board, capping off a recruitment process that spanned several years.

While location played a role in Washington's decision, his choice was also influenced by the opportunity to work closely with Coach Locksley, who personally coaches the quarterbacks on the team. Sharing his thoughts, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound prospect expressed the importance of staying home, allowing him to witness the growth of his younger siblings firsthand.

Washington excels not only on the football field but also as a talented basketball player. Early in his high school career, he garnered interest from various schools before ultimately choosing to focus his efforts on pursuing football in college. His stellar performances over the last two seasons have proven his capabilities, achieving an impressive 21-3 record as a starter.

During his junior season, Washington completed 195 of 313 passes for 2,093 yards, scoring 21 touchdowns while only conceding nine interceptions. As a sophomore, he demonstrated his skills by completing 221 of 370 passes for 2,979 yards, 29 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

Expressing his enthusiasm for joining the Terps, Washington highlighted Maryland's program as being on the rise. With three consecutive bowl victories, he believes that the team is heading in the right direction and needs a few key additions to compete on a national level.

Despite receiving numerous offers, Washington narrowed down his choices to four schools in the spring and subsequently visited Virginia Tech, Syracuse, UCF, and Maryland. While his visit to Virginia Tech made a lasting impression, the proximity to home ultimately provided the Terps with an advantage. Additionally, Washington's relationship with Coach Locksley and existing friendships within the Maryland program played a pivotal role in his decision.

The 247Sports rankings place Washington at an impressive grade of 91, making him the third-ranked player in Maryland, the 14th-ranked quarterback nationally, and the 180th-ranked player overall. According to the 247Sports Composite, he is ranked as the 23rd quarterback and the 276th player in the class of 2025.

This commitment is a significant boost for the Terps, as Washington not only brings his exceptional talent but also his influence in recruiting other prospects. He becomes the first four-star quarterback to commit to Maryland during Coach Locksley's tenure and is set to enroll in January 2025, with expectations of challenging for a spot on the depth chart in his freshman season.

In addition to Washington, Maryland has secured commitments from other highly touted in-state prospects, including receiver Justin DeVaughn from Pikesville and running back Iverson Howard from Gaithersburg's Quince Orchard High School.

Andrew Ivins, the director of scouting for 247Sports, has closely observed Washington's performances in recent weeks and describes him as a play-making quarterback with solid passing abilities. With impressive physical attributes, including a 4.65-second 40-yard dash and a 4.38-second short shuttle, Washington exhibits a dangerous ability to scramble and make plays both from the pocket and on the run. While his highlight reel lacks deep throws, he possesses the touch and accuracy to connect with receivers and thrive in a modern spread offense that maximizes his dual-threat potential.

As Washington embarks on his senior season, his exceptional record, championship pedigree, and promising skill set position him as an exciting prospect for Maryland. With proper development, he has the potential to succeed at the Power Four level, particularly in a strategic offensive system that leverages his mobility and arm talent.

Washington's commitment stands as a testament to Maryland's progress in recruiting top talent and signals the continued growth of the Terps' football program. As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await his arrival in College Park in January 2025, hoping that he can contribute to the team's success and help propel them to new heights.