Video: Maury LB CJ Smith dives into his pledge, others he’s recruiting to Maryland

Head coach Mike Locksley picked up his fourth commitment of the 2025 cycle when four-star linebacker Carlton “CJ” Smith went public with his pledge.

After an unofficial visit to Maryland alongisde his parents during the first weekend of March, Maury (VA) linebacker Carlton “CJ” Smith made the decision to shut down his recruitment as the Terps won the race for his services. The priority target committed to Maryland over Penn State, Alabama, Miami (FL) and Notre Dame as he now gets a chance to play at the same school his older sister once attended.

“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 told IBG after his decision. “He’s excited for me to be a piece to get that done.”

Smith joins the show to break down:

• why Maryland won out in his recruitment
• his goals heading into his senior season at Maury
• other players he’s working to bring to Maryland
• favorite NFL team

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Carlton “CJ” Smith is rated a three-star prospect and an 86 overall by On3, sitting as the 24th-best prospect in Virginia.

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