The University of Maryland football program made a big step toward the future in recruiting, receiving a verbal commitment from class of 2017 defensive end Josh Kaindoh over the weekend.

Kaindoh, originally from Maryland, plays at IMG Academy and is rated by Rivals.com as a five-star prospect, the nation’s best defensive end, Florida’s second-best player and the fourth overall recruit in the country for the next year’s graduating class.

Congratulations to the University of Maryland receiving a commitment from the nation's top DE prospect Josh Kaindoh pic.twitter.com/yY0bjn2jnm — Tom Lemming (@LemmingReport) April 30, 2016

The commitment of Kaindoh is an enormous coup for new head coach D.J. Durkin and the rest of his staff. The 17-year-old, originally from Essex, Maryland, is Maryland’s first five-star commitment since offensive lineman Damian Prince in 2014 and the first top-10 nationally-rated player since wide receiver Stefon Diggs (now of the Minnesota Vikings) in 2012.

While verbal commitments have been broken before, the idea of a player of this magnitude with this kind of talent is exciting for Maryland football and the entire University of Maryland. Kaindoh joins six others who have given their word to Durkin, most notably quarterback Kasim Hill and fellow defensive lineman, tackle Camaron Spence.

Kaindoh is built like a prototypical defensive end, lanky at 6’5″ while weighing around 240 pounds. He can rush the passer off the left or right, and is quick to get into the backfield with a knack for bringing down the quarterback.

He has offers from Alabama, Clemson, Michigan, Ohio State, USC and more, which makes his commitment all the more special for the Terrapins. There is a lot of work to be done before National Signing Day in 2017 (including a full season of football), but it’s safe to say Durkin, his staff, and all Maryland fans are hoping to see Kaindoh stick with the Terps come February.