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[Jeff Cunningham]

Oscar Smith WR chooses Maryland
By Jeff Cunningham | jcunningham@hrvarsity.com

Kerry Boykins will be a Tiger for one more year. After that, he'll become a Terrapin.

Oscar Smith's rising senior wide receiver committed to the University of Maryland Thursday, choosing the Terrapins over Virginia and North Carolina. The 2006 First-Team Southeastern District and Second-Team All-State selection is the second wideout from the school to commit to a college -- Todd Harrelson committed earlier this summer to UNC.

"Maryland's getting a premiere football player," Tigers coach Rich Morgan said. "Kerry's got a game-breaking ability and he's one of the great character guys you can find ... I think Maryland got everything you could ask for in a football player in Kerry."

A phone call to Boykins was not immediately returned.

Boykins caught 37 balls for the Tigers in 2006 for 715 yards and five touchdowns en ruote to helping Oscar Smith claim its third straight district title. Rivals.com rated his as the fifth best 2008 recruit in the state, as well as the No. 22 wide receiver in the nation. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound receiver had over 20 scholarship offers, including Michigan State and Virginia Tech, whittling down his choices to UVA, UNC and Maryland before ultimately picking.

Jamal Wilson, yet another wideout at Oscar Smith, could make his college decision soon. But Morgan stressed that in matters such as this, it's wise to take one's time.

"We actually talk about (making a decision before the start of preseason practice)," Morgan said. "And I always tell the guys ... if you find a spot that can make you happy, by all means go ahead and make that choice.

"No doubt it's less stress (committing before your senior season) ... you know where you're going and you've got that guaranteed scholarship. But I tell my guys not to worry if they come to camp still undecided."