Virginia LB CJ Smith becomes fourth commitment in Maryland's 2025 class

Maryland has landed its fourth commitment in the 2024 class as Maury (VA) three-star linebacker CJ Smith has gone public with his pledge.

Smith, a 6-foot, 200-pound inside linebacker out of Virginia, gave his pledge to the staff on Sunday. He committed to Maryland after announcing a top five back in December with Alabama, Miami (FL), Notre Dame and Penn State in the mix after drawing over 20 verbal offers.

Inside linebacker coach Lance Thompson led the way with Smith through a two year recruitment. Smith’s relationship with Thompson grew over the last two years when Smith suited up at St. Frances (MD) as Thompson spearheaded recruiting efforts at the Baltimore powerhouse. Thompson remained the primary recruiter for CJ after transferring to Maury (VA) following his junior year.

“That’s my man, coach Lance,” Smith told IBG earlier this offseason. “We’ve always had a good relationship since my sophomore year. Ever since he could he’s always been calling, checking up on me, telling me about the skills I can work on. He keeps it 100 with me and helps me with the recruiting process. He just shows a lot of interest in me and I have a lot of interest in Maryland. The scheme where I can make plays, use my versatility to play sideline to sideline. I like what they’ve shown and told me.”

Smith made his way to College Park for the games against Penn State and Charlotte last fall as the Virginia native has long had the Terps on his shortlist of schools. He now becomes the first linebacker commitment this cycle and joins IOL Kahlil Stewart, DT Braheem Battles and CB Jett White in the Terps’ 2025 class as head coach Mike Locksley and his staff look to capitalize on the long list of local talent.

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

Virginia LB CJ Smith becomes fourth commitment in Maryland’s 2025 class

Ahmed Ghafir