Player: Anthony McFarland
Position: Running back
High School: Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha
Height: 5-8 1/2
Weight: 203
Recruiting: McFarland chose Maryland over Miami, which was his other finalist. He also was considering Alabama, Auburn and Florida, and he made an official visit to Penn State.
The Scouting Report: Mcfarland is a fast, explosive athlete who can play in a number of rolls in an offense.
The No 6 running back in the 2017 class missed his senior season with a broken leg, but it does not diminish his play-making ability, his tremendous diversified skill set, or the excitement the Terps should feel in getting him.
He is quick through the hole, has a tremendous change of direction, can get to the outside and even though he is not the biggest kid, he runs with power and it often takes multiple defenders to drag him down. He runs with knees high and legs churning, and linebackers and defensive backs do not want to tackle him because of how violent he runs the ball.
In addition, McFarland has good vision and he is patient in waiting for plays to develop. The one thing he needs to work on the most, though, is his desire to always want to make the big play. He is always looking to break a play open, and sometimes it costs him yards because he does not go north-south as quickly as he should.
McFarland can also impact the passing game because of his ability to catch. Not only will the Terps be able to throw to him out of the backfield, he has slot ability. He is a good route runner with plus hands, and because of his strength and ability to get out of his brakes and to accelerate, he becomes a difficult match up for either defense of backs or smaller linebackers.
He is also an incredibly intense competitor.
Overall Analysis: If Maryland wants to become a big-time Big Ten program, landing guys like McFarland is a must. He is dynamic, and a threat to make a big play when he touches the ball. He is dependable, explosive and tough. He should have a huge career in College Park.
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