3-star CB Lavonte Gater signs with Maryland football

Maryland has received a signed Letter of Intent from Ballou High School product Lavonte Gater, who was the Terrapins’ first commitment in the Class of 2019.

Gater, who stands at 5’11 and 170 pounds, is rated by the 247Sports Composite as a three-star cornerback and ranks as the 10th-best player from the District of Columbia in 2019. He had FBS offers from Temple and Rutgers, and was offered by area schools such as Morgan State and Howard.

Due to his smaller stature, Gater slipped past the eyes of some scouts, but helps pack the Terrapins’ 2019 cornerback haul along with Tayvion Land and Deonte Banks. The trio will have the chance to compete for backup positions behind Tino Ellis and Rayshad Lewis, but could also redshirt and provide depth while gaining valuable knowledge and size in the weight room.

While some recruits may reconsider their commitments after a coaching change, Gater hails from head coach Mike Locksley’s alma mater, so this hiring likely helped keep him in play for the Terrapins.