3-star cornerback Jayon Venerable signs with Maryland football

Head coach Mike Locksley added some more depth to his defensive back room Wednesday, as three-star cornerback Jayon Venerable signed his official letter of intent to play for Maryland football.

Venerable, who originally announced his commitment back in July 2019, was Locksley’s first catch of the 2021 recruiting class.

He is ranked as the No. 27 prospect out of all Maryland players in the 2021 class, per the 24/7 Sports Composite. Venerable chose the Terps over offers from Temple and Virginia Tech, among others.

A 5-foot-11, 163-pound cornerback out of Severn, Maryland, Venerable was recruited by the Terps to be a defensive back despite playing most of his high school career as a running back at Archbishop Spalding High School.

Locksley will be sure to take advantage of the size and speed of the incoming freshman, whose junior season highlights show off his ability to dominate in coverage by using his length and bounce to deny any passes coming his way.

Venerable caught an interception and forced one fumble on defense for the 2019 season, while also rushing for 272 yards and seven touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball.

Locksley will likely look to take advantage of the 20 pounds and extra inch of height Venerable put on since committing to the Terps two summers ago.