3-star defensive end Darrell Jackson signs with Maryland football

Maryland football has further solidified its 2021 defensive haul with three-star defensive end Darrell Jackson signing with the program Wednesday morning.

Jackson was previously committed to Tennessee, but officially backed off of his pledge on Dec. 7. He chose Maryland over other offers from Tennessee, Miami and Georgia Tech, among others.

The Havana, Florida prospect ranks as a three-star (0.8647), the No. 705 player in the nation, No. 45 strong-side defensive end and No. 94 player from Florida in the 2021 class, according to the 24/7 Sports Composite.

At just over 6’5, 258 pounds, Jackson provides massive size and strength coming off of the edge. He has shown an ability to get leverage and push off the snap with his speed and size, while coupling that with play-recognition once free of blockers to track down the ball and make plays. As a senior, Jackson played defensive end, defensive tackle and tight end at Gadsden County High School.

Maryland has redefined its future up front in the Class of 2021 thanks to seven commitments in one cycle. Four-star (0.9701) defensive end Demeioun Robinson heads a group of three edge rushers that work primarily on the weak-side, opposite of Jackson. Four-star defensive tackles Taizse Johnson (0.9075) and Tommy Akingbesote (0.9066) also combine with recent flip Andre Porter to fill out the middle of the defensive line.

* This article was updated after Jackson signed with the program Wednesday.