5-star linebacker Terrence Lewis signs with Maryland football

Five-star linebacker Terrence Lewis has signed with Maryland football, he announced at the All-American Bowl Saturday.

The Miami Central (Fla.) is ranked as the No. 16 overall prospect, No. 5 player from Florida and No. 1 linebacker in the 2021 class with a 24/7 Sports composite score of 0.9906. Lewis is also the fourth-highest ranked commitment in Maryland history behind Stefon Diggs (0.9969), Wesley Jefferson (0.9964) and Melvin Alaeze (0.9916).

Lewis previously committed to Tennessee, but decommitted back in late-November. He released a top-two of Maryland and the Volunteers, but ahead of his decision on NBC’s All-American Bowl: Declaration Day special he re-released a final-two of the Terps against hometown Miami.

With a frame of 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Lewis is already a good size to play inside linebacker in college. He brings next-level speed to the table and embraces contact while playing with a mean streak.

As a junior, Lewis helped lead his team to a 5A state championship by totaling 106 tackles, 44 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, two interceptions and a touchdown.

Maryland has seen quite a bit of change across the board this offseason with nine players entering the transfer portal, including two linebackers. The addition of Lewis helps restock the linebacking corps that lost Cortez Andrews on the outside and Ayinde “Ace” Eley on the inside.

In 2020, Chance Campbell was the unit leader with sophomore Fa’Najae Gotay and true freshman Ruben Hyppolite II — both Florida natives — bursting on the scene. The unit also added four-star linebacker Branden Jennings and JUCO three-star Gereme Spraggins during the early signing period to further its depth.

The addition of Lewis brings the Terps to 23 commitments in the Class of 2021, ranking No. 18 nationally and No. 4 in the Big Ten.