Planning official visits up next for four-star Maryland DL Ernest Willor Jr.
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are very few elite talents left in the 2024 class, and even fewer difference makers on the defensive side of the ball. At Maryland’s Concordia Prep (Townson), ACC, Big Ten, and SEC teams are fighting over one of the best still uncommitted along the recruiting trail, four-star defensive lineman/end Ernest Willor.
What Willor can bring to the field defensively, especially at his size (6-4, 255), is a rarity. Because of his versatility and athleticism, a poll among college coaches would see his projection as a defensive end, interior defensive lineman, and even an outside backer.
For Willor, the position does not matter at the next level, just the fit.
“Some want me to play 3-tech, some want me to play defensive end, and some at outside linebacker,” Willor said. “It all depends on what they are running and need.”
On his position preference in college, Willor added, “It doesn’t matter to me, I can play anything.”
Top college football squads are blowing up Willor’s phone trying to make the connection that will lead to a signed National Letter of Intent.
“I am talking to Penn State, Maryland, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Auburn, South Carolina, and Wisconsin,” Willor stated.
The rapport with the regional Big Ten teams was detailed.
Penn State: “We have a pretty good relationship. I have been up there a bunch the last couple of years, I know most of the guys on the staff.”
Maryland: “I have been there a few times; I know a bunch of the guys there. They really want me to stay home.”
Ohio State: “I have a pretty good relationship with Ohio State; I talk to them at least once a month. Our relationship is pretty good. I have only been there once.”
Since transferring to Concordia Prep from IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.), Willor has held off on traveling ready to pack in his official visits down the backstretch of his recruitment.
“All visits will be planned towards the backend of the season,” Willor shared. “It is easier to weed out and make my decision on where I will go.”
Which schools he’s looking at for official visits is still to be determined.
“I have some schools in mind, but I still haven’t decided,” Willor said. “I have to solidify dates first.”
The commitment plan is in place.
“I will commit during the early signing period and early enroll,” Willor stated.
BEYOND THE INTERVIEW
Willor’s Concordia Prep squad is off to a 3-1 start. The four-star shared his thoughts on the season thus far.
“The season is going pretty good,” Willor said. “I am excited to be back home chilling with the guys and playing some football.”
Asked how teams are scheming against him this season, Willor replied, “They’ve been mostly trying to keep the ball away from me. They are double and triple teaming me, that is mostly what I have been getting.”
Even though teams are doing their best to limit Willor’s direct influence on every play, he is still pushing his skill set forward.
“I am getting better at reading run-pass, reading the run block I am getting, and beating double teams,” Willor stated.