National Signing Day 2017: 3-star LB Ayinde Eley signs with Maryland football

Maryland football has received Ayinde Eley’s National Letter of Intent, making his pledge to the Terps official.

Eley committed to Maryland in April, in the same Periscope video as quarterback Kasim Hill. Although Eley although he took an unofficial visit to Kentucky in November, there was never much drama in his recruitment.

The three-star prospect was listed as an athlete when he committed, but he’s currently the nation’s No. 24 outside linebacker, according to the 247Sports Composite. The Good Counsel product is also the 10th-best prospect in Maryland.

Eley is expected to compete right away for playing time at linebacker, where Maryland is in serious need of reinforcements. The Terps return Jermaine Carter Jr., but fellow starter Shane Cockerille was ruled academically ineligible for the team’s bowl game and might not be able to return to the team. Maryland also has early enrollees Bryce Brand and Nick Underwood at the position.