It only took a week of media ganging up on Randy Edsall for the Maryland coach to finally see the error in his ways.
Edsall was taking shots from national media for restricting the transfer of quarterback Danny O'Brien, offensive lineman Max Garcia and linebacker Mario Rowson. Edsall blocked them from going to any other ACC school or Vanderbilt. The blocking of the ACC schools was not as big of a problem as him blocking a transfer to Vanderbilt where former Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin is now the head coach.
There were accusations of tampering, which Franklin denied and probably some hurt feelings by Edsall, who told media that O'Brien was not "all in." Franklin didn't deny that he had not cut off communication with O'Brien and claimed, "I'm going to have relationships with my players."
Franklin recruited O'Brien and helped him earn ACC Rookie of the Year honors in 2010. Maryland is going to pursue tampering allegations against Franklin and Vanderbilt and has already sent a complaint to the ACC, which will ultimately be forwarded to the SEC. But the university has allowed the players to transfer to the schools they want.
[ Related: Dan Wetzel: Allowing Danny O'Brien to transfer to any school should be a model for every school ]
"While at first I thought it was important to limit the institutions to which they could transfer, I have since reconsidered my decision" Edsall said in a statement. "At the end of the day, I want what's best for these guys and I wish them well in their futures.
"As a program we are looking forward to putting this distraction behind us and to moving forward. Spring practice opens on March 10 and we can't wait to get back out on the field."
Despite all of this, O'Brien hasn't settled on transferring to Vanderbilt. According to the Washington Post, O'Brien is not going to visit Vanderbilt amid the allegations that Franklin may have tried to recruit him before he was released. The story states that O'Brien does want to subject Vanderbilt to further scrutiny at this time.
And O'Brien is not short on options. Several outlets have reported that at least a dozen schools have been in contact, including multiple high-profile programs that played in BCS bowl games.
While O'Brien has declined to speak about potential suitors, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Stanford have all been mentioned as potential landing spots as well as Arizona, South Florida and Ole Miss.
The Washington Post said O'Brien will begin his official visits this weekend.
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