blog.pennlive.com

blog.pennlive.com

Maryland picked up their fourth commitment of the 2014 class when Spring Grove (PA) defensive lineman David Shaw gave them a verbal commitment last week.

(Discuss this Q&A at the BSL Board here.)

Shaw is a 6-foot-5 275-pound tackle who has football in his genes. His father, James Sr. played football at Colgate and his brother John played at Penn State and his brother Jim started his career at Rice before transferring to Penn State.

The youngest Shaw runs a sub-five second 40 and benches 405 pounds.

BSL: How much did you learn from seeing your brothers play in college?

David Shaw: It was a huge benefit. I was able to see what it takes to play college football and what you have to do to get through it. They really helped me along because they had gone through it too.

BSL: When did you realize you could play college football?

David Shaw: I did not start realizing it until my freshman and sophomore year. Coaches were always telling me that I could play at the college level throughout my younger years and stuff but I never really listened. My coaches started working me out and I was taking it more seriously. Once I started realizing it was possible, I thought playing at the Division I level was possible.

BSL: Did you play any other sports growing up?

David Shaw: I used to play baseball a lot when I was 10-14 years old and I really enjoyed it but physically I just outgrew it.

BSL: How much of an impact has Spring Grove head coach Russ Stoner have on your recruitment?

David Shaw: He helped me a lot. He talked to the coaches and put in a good word for me. He started me as a sophomore at defense and I think that really helped me. He had a huge impact.

BSL: How did the Terps hear about you?

David Shaw: They initially got in contact with me through mail in the middle of my football season. I think the biggest thing is that Coach Edsall is from York County and he got a hold of Coach Stoner. Coach Stoner told me and I went down there a couple times throughout my season. I went down and saw them play UNC.

BSL: What stood out in your visit?

David Shaw: I really enjoyed the whole thing. It was very exciting. The fans were excited and the atmosphere was great. I really liked the feel and I really liked the stadium.

BSL: What impact did Maryland joining the Big Ten have?

David Shaw: Moving to the Big Ten was a big thing for me. That really put my mind towards them a lot more.

BSL: What sealed the deal for your commitment?

David Shaw: I went down and talked to Coach Gattuso and he is a really nice coach. I am really excited to play for him. I was also looking at their defensive lien and they weren’t as stacked at d-line and that was one of the big things. I thought I would have a better shot to play there and I really like the coaches.

BSL: What do the coaches say about playing time?

David Shaw: They told me that I can come in and compete and that’s what I am going to do. I am going to go in there and compete.

BSL: How much did hearing that mean?

David Shaw: I loved it. It was awesome. A lot of schools redshirt guys for a year and go through a year of camp and school and that is what mostly everyone does. To hear I have a shot my freshman year, I was like wow that is awesome.

BSL: What other schools were you hearing from?

David Shaw: I was talking to UConn and also went to a Junior Day at Penn State. Towards the end Temple had a little interest, but it was really between UConn and Maryland. My relationship with coach Gattuso, the feel I had on campus and the opportunity to play early all played a large role in my decision. Another big thing was that it was close to home too, so my family can see me play.

BSL: Maryland has had recruiting success in recent years. Did that play any role?

David Shaw: Oh yea, big time. I think with how Coach Edsall is recruiting and with them going to the Big Ten that it is going to be a pretty awesome place to play. I think it is a school on the up and up.

BSL: Did you have a favorite team as a kid?

David Shaw: Penn State was my favorite because I was always going up to my brothers’ games when I was a kid.

BSL: Where the sanctions that Penn State is in have any factor in your decision?

David Shaw: None. I just really liked Maryland. I really enjoyed it. None of the other stuff was really a factor. I just really wanted to play at Maryland.

BSL: What do you need to work on to prepare for college?

David Shaw: My mindset is that I need to work on everything. It is a big jump form high school to college. I know I need to work on quicker feet, strength, speed, weight, and everything.

BSL: What are your strengths?

David Shaw: I just never stop. I go as hard as I can every single play. 

BSL: Overall, how was your recruiting experience?

David Shaw: It is a bit of a relief to have it over. It was enjoyable for a while but once it gets closer to the season and it was coming closer to when I was going to college in a year, I was like I gotta make my decision so I can start getting ready. I didn’t want to wait too long so that I could just focus on getting ready for college and getting better at my position.

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