Maryland dips into North Carolina to land 4-star WR Shaleak Knotts

Monroe (N.C.) 4-star wide receiver Shaleak Knotts took official visits to Maryland and Tennessee in June. He also visited in-state North Carolina unofficially multiple times. The 6-foot-1, 184-pound playmaker had it down to the Terrapins, Tar Heels and Volunteers before announcing for Maryland Sunday.

Knotts is the 12th commitment for Mike Locksley and the staff in College Park.

“Tennessee and North Carolina are some great schools with great coaches, but I picked Maryland because of the plan they have for me on and off the field,” Knotts said. “That is the main reason. I just went with the best option even though all three schools were giving the same opportunity.”

Knotts said he made this decision early in July.

Shaleak Knotts felt at home at Maryland

Each visit was important to Knotts, and he had good vibes at each school, but it was Maryland where he felt a little different.

He took multiple visits to College Park and the feeling he had there was different.

“I’ve visited Maryland three times, and all my visits had good vibes, but the vibe was just different down at Maryland,” Knotts said. “Being around the players and the staff just felt like home off rip. it was just different there for me.”

No more pressure on Shaleak Knotts

It was a very busy summer and recruiting was beginning to weigh on Knotts, but now that he has found his home, he is only looking at the future.

“It was hard to make this decision because I had many options to choose from,” Knotts said. “I had to narrow it down, and now to commit, it takes a lot of weight on my shoulders. I had to do what was best for me and I just felt like it was the time to tell everyone about Maryland.

“I’m excited bout getting there, getting to work and handling my business. I feel Maryland is on track to do well and now I just want to do my part.”