Terps make cut for Cali QB

Maryland makes the top nine for Sierra Canyon quarterback Chayden Peery.

Maryland won’t give up on local Gonzaga phenom Caleb Williams, but the staff has started identifying more quarterback targets with Williams trending towards Oklahoma. Sierra Canyon (Ca.) quarterback Chayden Peery became the latest quarterback to add an offer and days after offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery extended an offer, the Terps made the first cut in Peery’s recruitment.

Peery released a top nine of Boise State, Georgia Tech, Kansas, Louisiana, Louisville, Maryland, NC State, Nevada and Vanderbilt as the 6-foot-3, 215-pound pro-style quarterback announced the news on Mother’s Day. “They separate themselves because they recruit me the hardest, talk to them the most. They put the most effort in with me and I have a great relationship that I want to keep exploring,” Peery told AllTerrapins.

The wide range of play styles for Peery gives him a chance to delve into each suitor as he narrows his focus. “I think I could fit into any of these offenses. The high school I’m at right now isn’t really a set system, it’s very versatile so that’s why I think I can make that fit. The relationships played a big part too, I still want to talk to them and study what they do, learn what their school is all about.”

Offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery has begun ramping up his pursuit to fill the Terps’ vacant quarterback hole in the 2021 class as the two sides will connect this week. “He reached out to my mom to wish her a happy Mother’s Day, which was really cool. We’re supposed to hop on a call this week, probably more in-depth about what they do on offense. I’m excited, looking forward to it.” Peery provides insight as to what he’s looking for with the Terps.

“I definitely want to learn more about the offense, how I fit in. I know Maryland has a great education, they’re close to the nation’s capital which is cool. I definitely want to learn more about the city, see if I can see myself living there.”

Like others, Peery has taken notice of the commitment spree in recent weeks. Especially for a quarterback, he’s keeping an open mind to just when the NCAA will allow visits to resume.

“I definitely want to not take too much time, so if visits open up kind of later, then I’ll say that I want to visit ‘x’ number of schools, a few visits then make a decision. I don’t know if I have enough time to make nine visits.”

As a junior, Peery threw for 3,401 yards and eighteen touchdowns with just one interception. It’s a reason why he’s confident in his ability to cap off his senior year on a high note. “I’d say very tough, very accurate. I’m a good decision-maker, I know how to gauge risk-reward and how to take those educated risks. And just being able to stay poised and calm regardless of the situation.”