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Three-star outside linebacker Eriq Gilyard decommitted from Maryland on Monday, leaving the Terrapins without a commit in their 2018 recruiting class.

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On Sunday, D.J. Durkin’s staff picked up a huge piece of its 2017 recruiting class when it landed 4-star safety Markquese Bell, who became the Terrapins’ 30th total commit in the cycle.

However, one day later, the Terps’ 2018 class took a hit when 3-star outside linebacker Eriq Gilyard, their only commit, decommitted from Maryland.

The Jacksonville, Florida native released a statement explaining his decision to back off his pledge.

“I want to thank the University of Maryland and the coaching staff for the opportunity, but I will now be opening back up my recruitment and decommitting. Please respect my decision.”

At 6-foot, 220 lbs Gilyard holds additional offers from Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Michigan, Nebraska, South Carolina, Virginia Tech and others.

Gilyard initially committed to Maryland on Nov. 17 about two weeks after landing a scholarship offer from Duke.

He would be a welcomed addition to any linebacking core, as Gilyard absolutely delivers the boom to ball carriers when he lowers his shoulder. It’s easily his best attribute and the first thing that jumps off the screen when watching his film.

Gilyard shows average ball skills but a knack for making plays. He shoots through A-gaps swiftly and decisively, which can come in handy when defensive coordinators dial up different blitz packages.

His teammate at Trinity Christian Academy is 5-star prospect Tyreke Johnson, the No. 2 cornerback and No. 8 overall player in the 2018 cycle. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if teams try to recruit them together.

Note: Scout rankings, ratings and photos used in this article.

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