3-star DE Tyler Baylor signs with Maryland football

Three-star defensive end Tyler Baylor is officially headed to College Park after signing his letter of intent on Wednesday.

Baylor, who attends Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland, is the No. 11 prospect in Maryland and the No. 22 weak-side defensive end in the country, according to the 247 Sports Composite. Baylor committed to Maryland in August, choosing the Terps over Georgia, Louisville and Kentucky among others.

Baylor is an intriguing prospect, having only played football for two years. Right now, he fits in at the BUCK linebacker/defensive end hybrid position, but could slide into the strong-side defensive end position if he bulks up.

There’s probably more playing time available at defensive end, as all signs point toward Jesse Aniebonam getting an extra year of eligibility and returning to the BUCK position after breaking his ankle against Texas in the season opener. Fellow 2018 recruit Durell Nchami projects as a BUCK at the moment, so it looks like DJ Durkin is trying to build depth at that position.

Maryland recruited three defensive ends last season in Tyran Hunt, B’Ahmad Miller and Lawtez Rogers, but Hunt switched to offensive line and neither Miller or Hunt got playing time. Both Miller and Rogers have bulked up significantly from their weight in their recruiting profiles, so they appear to project as playing more on the line than the hybrid BUCK position. The Terps’ pass rush was non-existent for much of last year, so if Baylor can get to the quarterback, he will see the field.

Baylor is the second Good Counsel player to sign with the Terps under Durkin, joining 2017 recruit Ayinde Eley. He’s part of Durkin’s plan to get top local talent to Maryland, and is one of 11 recruits from the DMV area in the 2018 class.