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Oswaldo Velasquez is a versatile offensive lineman who has started at offensive tackle, center, and defensive tackle thus far in his high school career. Oswaldo puts it simply, “My visit to Maryland made me feel at home and it made me want to spend my college life there. I am working hard to achieve my goal and I hope it will pay off in the long run.”
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Oswaldo Velasquez is a feisty competitor on the offensive line from Rockville, Maryland. Oswaldo shows his versatility on the field, having started at center, offensive tackle, and defensive tackle since he was a sophomore. He was also a junior captain and has his fingers crossed he will be honored with that responsibility again his senior year. Velasquez is also a well rounded young man with a black belt in Tae Kwon Do who also plays the trumpet. “I have been playing since I was in the fourth grade,” says Oswaldo, “and I have been on the schools marching band. It’s just something I have always loved to do.”
It must be reassuring to his school knowing if a trumpet player goes down during the halftime show, there is a backup in the football locker room.
Velasquez is all about his state and his state’s university. After chatting with Oswaldo one thing is clear, and that thing is Maryland, Maryland, Maryland.
“The University of Maryland is well known throughout the country,” says Velasquez. “It is not only one of the top schools athletically but academically as well. They are diverse and being a Latino, I would love to add to that diversity at Maryland. My visit to Maryland made me feel at home and it made me want to spend my college life there. There is a lot of school spirit and that is what I look for in a school. It is my dream to be offered by Maryland, and I am working hard to achieve my goal, hopefully it will pay off in the long run. I know there is a lot of competition out there, not only on the football field but also with academics. I believe I have prepared myself for college the right way, balancing school and football. I really emphasize the student part in student-athlete.”
The Rockville standout thoroughly enjoyed his visit to College Park for the Spring Game.
“My coach took a bunch of guys up as a group to see what Maryland had to offer and to build team chemistry. That weekend is one that I don’t think I will ever forget. It was a great time for me getting to see the facilities, meet almost the entire coaching staff, bond with teammates, and getting to watch the team that I will hopefully play for next year. I came away pretty impressed with things after the Spring Game. I was impressed with how sharp the team looked this early in the season and I was very impressed with the non-football things. The university itself is great. I love the layout of campus. Football wise I had the opportunity to talk with Coach (Ralph) Friedgen, as well as (offensive coordinator) Coach James Franklin. They were both very nice and gave me a good overview of the whole program. I also had the chance to see the football house and all the helmets and jerseys showing the whole history of Maryland football. That stuff is awesome, anybody who is a Maryland fan like myself would just love being in that building.”
Oswaldo also had the chance to see some old friends and former foes.
“I got to talk to a bunch of the 2009 recruits. I have played against some of those guys and it was cool seeing them again. I am really hoping to be in their shoes at this time next year. I am friends with a few of the guys on the team now, and they all just keep telling me how Maryland is the place to be. I am very convinced that Maryland is my top choice for college. I believe I have a lot to offer the school. I have been playing football for a while now and my senior season is when all that hard work hopefully pays off.”
“I have been a varsity starter since my sophomore year. I have played offensive tackle, center, defensive tackle and in practice I try to know the responsibilities for everyone on the line, just in case somebody gets hurt or we have to switch on the fly. I was named a junior captain and I look forward to being a captain my senior year. I know the college coaches like seeing leaders and that’s what I think I am.”
Oswaldo is also hoping to be named to the Maryland Crab Bowl roster.
“I am being considered to be on the Maryland Crab Bowl team, which is the High School All Star game in Maryland. I have contacted (Crab Bowl Founder) Chuck Harmon on Facebook and really would be honored to play in that game. I know there would be top notch competition out there, the best of the best.”
“Basically,” says Oswaldo, “I am working hard towards achieving my goal. Soon I will be done with high school and on to a new chapter in my life. I hope I can spend that next chapter at UMD. I will be attending Maryland’s summer camp and I cannot wait to give the coaching staff an up close and personal look at my game. I know it will be a great experience and I look forward to my future visits.”
One thing is for sure, if Maryland needs a versatile offensive lineman there is one who would sign yesterday right here in Oswaldo Velasquez.
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Dan Hilbert covers football recruiting in Virginia. He can be reached at dhilbert@scout.com. If you are submitting a recruit, please include players name, high school, primary position and the best way to get in contact with the player.
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