A key piece to the foundation of Maryland’s 2025 class went public on Monday after three-star linebacker Carlton “CJ” Smith went public with his decision one day after giving the news to the staff.
Smith, a 6-foot, 200-pound linebacker out of Virginia, first gave the news to assistant Lance Thompson, Smith’s position coach and lead recruiter during the process, before connecting with head coach Mike Locksley to make it official on Sunday.
“He was excited. He said now we can compete for national championships. That’s the goal. We’ve got the players. We’ve got the resources. The Big Ten is probably the hardest conference now, so we’ve got an opportunity,” Smith said as he recalled giving Locksley his commitment. “He’s excited for me to be a piece to get that done.”
“The love and support, they always been there throughout my recruiting journey. They always believed in me. They always showed me love,” Smith told IBG about why Maryland won out. “I know I can go there and make an immediate impact, work hard, keep my head down and just go into a great opportunity. I love the state of Maryland. Coming from St. Frances, it definitely is a great state and I just want to represent and ball out.”
Smith was among the long list of players to depart St. Frances this offseason, but the relationship he built with Lance Thompson during his time with the Panthers continued to grow after he moved back to his home state of Virginia. Smith’s relationship with the Terps’ assistant was the driving reason why Maryland made the top five for the priority target alongside Alabama, Miami (FL), Notre Dame and Penn State.
“He’s always been there for me, checked up on my mom and dad. That plays a huge factor. He always believed in me and knew what type of player I could be. I feel like me going to Maryland is proof of my passion,” he added.
And while Smith will suit up back in his home state of Virginia, he’s looking ahead to the chance to team up with several of his former teammates including one in particular.
“My man Kerm [Humes] is committed. That’s my brother. We’re like blood,” Smith added.
Carlton “CJ” Smith is expected to take his official visit to Maryland the weekend of June 14. He is rated a three-star prospect and an 86 overall by On3, sitting as the 24th-best prospect in Virginia.
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