3-star TE Maleak Bryant decommits from Maryland football

Three-star Mays (Ga.) tight end Maleak Bryant was one of two Maryland football commits to not sign a National Letter of Intent in the early signing period in December. Thursday night, he officially reopened his recruitment.

Bryant is the No. 48 tight end in the country and No. 109 overall prospect in Georgia, per the 247Sports Composite. He originally committed to Maryland on May 21, choosing the Terps over Iowa State, Pitt and Tennessee, among others.

The reopening of Bryant’s recruitment comes on the heels of now-former Maryland offensive coordinator Walt Bell leaving to fill the same role at Florida State. Bell’s departure likely isn’t the sole reason for this move, especially since Bryant didn’t sign in December when Bell was still in the fold, but it may have played a contributing factor. Bryant was one of two three-star tight ends from Georgia committed to Maryland in the Class of 2018. The other, Chigoziem Okonkwo, is an early enrollee and will be on campus this month. Bell was the lead recruiter for both.

As a result of Bryant’s decommitment, Maryland now has another scholarship with which to work. The coaching staff is still in hot pursuit of four-star defensive back commit Noah Boykin, but he seems to be trending away toward the Florida Gators. As a contingency plan, the staff is also after four-star cornerback Ken Montgomery, who has an official visit scheduled to College Park for the last weekend in January. Maryland also offered four-star cornerback Taiyon Palmer on Wednesday, but no visit is scheduled. The staff would take either if it’s able to hold onto Boykin or both if Boykin leaves. There’s also room to add another pass rusher now if the staff wants.

Down to 23 commits now, Maryland’s Class of 2018 drops to No. 20 on the 247Sports team rankings.