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One of the biggest parts of Maryland's 2014 class has made his commitment official, as Good Counsel star Jesse Aniebonam has faxed in his letter of intent.
NLI signed and in! Feels good. Officially a Maryland terrapin 🙌🐢❤⚫💛 #TerpNation
— Jesse Aniebonam (@JesseBona_Bonam) February 5, 2014
Jesse Aniebonam from Good Counsel is staying home and joining #TerpNation http://t.co/IcYhRSIvhQ
— Randy Edsall (@RandyEdsall) February 5, 2014
Listed at 6'4" and 230 pounds, Aniebonam is rated a four-star by the 247sports composite. He is considered the 128th-best prospect in the nation, the eighth-best strong-side defensive end in the country and the second-best player in the state, behind Damian Prince. He committed to the school in August.
Aniebonam chose Maryland over offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Ohio State, Penn State and South Carolina, among others. An Army All-American, and is one of the top prospects to commit to Maryland in the past decade. He's the second-best commit since Kenny Tate (after Stefon Diggs) going by the 247sports composite numbers, which aggregates the ratings of each of the four major recruiting services.
He'll join what should be a packed and talented group on the Maryland defensive line, with Andre Monroe, Keith Bowers, Darius Kilgo and Quinton Jefferson all returning and expected to play a big role. That group, along with Roman Braglio, Kingsley Opara and Nate Clarke, seems crowded enough that any incoming player would be a candidate for a redshirt, but you have to imagine a healthy Aniebonam could contribute from the start.
Here's some highlight film of Aniebonam: