Maryland saw another veteran hit the transfer portal today.
Defensive lineman ‘Tank’ Booker has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.
“Dear Terp Nation, First I want to thank all of my incredible teammates for being a part of my journey. It was a blessing to work with you over the years. I want to thank all of my coaches, medical, equipment, nutrition, strength, academic, tutors and athletic staff. I’m not the same 17 year old I was when I first walked on campus. And you guys made a big impact on my growth. Coach Locks, thanks for believing in this kid from Ohio! You afforded me the opportunity to be a part of a special family. You introduced me to an incredible mentor and helped me earn my Bachelor’s degree in a little over three years! Can’t forget the consecutive winning seasons and two bowl championships! Thank you! Special thanks to coach Brian Williams and the DLine room. I can’t express how much you all mean to me. Terp Nation, I appreciate all the support through the years filling the shell on a weekly basis. The Best is Ahead! With careful consideration and endless support from my family, I will be entering my name in the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining,” Booker wrote in his announcement.
https://twitter.com/arbj14_/status/1632778360429395974
As a former three-star prospect in the 2019 class, Booker was part of Mike Locksley’s first initial class before becoming a mainstay in the defensive line rotation. After playing in three games as a freshman, Booker appeared in 22 games over the last two seasons where he finished with a combined 36 tackles and five tackles for loss, along with a pair of sacks in 2022. Booker’s younger brother, outside linebacker Andrew ‘Bam’ Booker, joined the program last January.
The Winton Woods (OH) grad was part of a group who were tasked with replenishing Maryland’s three vacant starting positions along the defensive line in 2023, but the staff will look elsewhere to replenish the defensive line.
Maryland returns Taizse Johnson, Quashon Fuller and Tommy Akingbesote next season with former Tennessee lineman Jordan Phillips stepping into an expected impact role. Maryland also welcomed both DJ Samuels and Dillan Fontus in January as they begin their college careers, while Lavon Johnson signed with the program in the 2023 cycle.
Maryland will begin spring practice on Tuesday, March 28.
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