--- title: Homegrown Heroes date: 2026-05-20T10:07:00-04:00 author: University of Maryland canonical_url: "https://terp.umd.edu/homegrown-heroes" section: Articles --- # Homegrown Heroes *May 20, 2026* — by [Annie Krakower](/authors/annie-krakower) - *Photos courtesy of Maryland Athletics* > How Maryland Athletics recruited 3 top local athletes **THE TRIO OF INCOMING TERPS** weren’t wearing capes when they first assembled on the Xfinity Center court during a men’s basketball game last December. But as they were introduced to the crowd, Maryland’s own “DMV Avengers” gave fans powerful new reasons to marvel. Zion Elee, Baba Oladotun and Quincy Wilson, all from nearby high schools, were among the top football, basketball, and track and field recruits, respectively—not just in Maryland, but in the nation. And all three, known by the superhero nickname along with sophomore quarterback and Glen Burnie, Md., native Malik Washington, had just committed to staying home to don the red, white, black and gold. “That’s what we really want to focus on: building Maryland as the destination for these elite athletes that play in our area,” says Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics Jim Smith. In a quickly evolving college sports landscape, with name, image and likeness deals, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal all in play, what does it take for these superstars who could go anywhere to pick College Park? We roll back the game film on the recruiting wins. **Promo** — We foster **TERRAPIN PRIDE** by supporting student-athletes in the game and in the classroom. Join the Fearless and make a gift to the *Forward* campaign. ## ZION ELEE *Zion Elee* ## BABA OLADOTUN *Baba Oladotun* ## QUINCY WILSON *Quincy Wilson* **Issue:** [Spring 2026](https://terp.umd.edu/editions/spring-2026) **Types:** [Campus Life](https://terp.umd.edu/category/campus-life)