The Maryland Terrapins landed a surprise contract earlier this month when 2026 five-star recruit Zion Ely committed to the program while remaining loyal to his hometown team.
Well, Ellie herself was surprised by this decision, but the timing and moment felt right for the number two recruit in the cycle, leading to an early commitment.
“I was really surprised,” Ellie said of the decision. “[Head Coach Mike Locksley] I was definitely very surprised that I committed. It was like that. he said [Under Armour CEO] In fact, when Kevin Plank called him and told him the news, they were really surprised that I was actually guilty. I told him a week before we actually did it, but he didn't believe me. ”
What ultimately led Ely to move to Maryland?
“I can see the legacy I can leave behind,” Ellie said. “I saw how other people stayed at home, especially in high school.” [players]. Many boys had the opportunity to transfer to a larger school after receiving all of these offers and attempted to stay and make an impact at the school.
“I really like their campus. I like the way they practice. It's so simple, so easy. I like the coaches too. That's the main thing about it. I really like the coaches. We are all connected. We are from Maryland. [co-defensive coordinator] Hazard [Abdul-Rahim]we're from Maryland, so we have a connection. It certainly has a different feel to me. It's obvious that I feel best at home. Everyone you know is around you. ”
While Elee committed to the Terrapins and remains steadfast in his decision, many top schools are still actively recruiting five-star recruits and pushing for flips.
Ely said he doesn't plan on taking any more unofficial visits, but the Penn State Nittany Lions, Oregon Ducks and Alabama Crimson Tide are scheduled to take official visits in the summer.
What makes you stand out among the other top three candidates?
In Oregon: “What excites me about the Ducks is obviously their winning program. They have a huge staff. As if they knew what they were doing. Obviously they're winning, they're a really big school, they have a really great program…I think the reason they're so successful is because of their head coach. They have great connections like Phil Knight, you know what I'm saying? Their head donor is Nike. They got everything you wanted. they have everything you need. ”
About Penn State: “Connections with edge rushers, how to develop edge rushers. Their history among edge rushers. They have a very solid history, great rushers that are currently in the league and dominating the league. ”
About Alabama: “I really liked the schools. I'd love to go there and see what it's really like. I've been communicating with the general manager and defensive end coach, but sometimes we don't talk much. ”
The school is actively pursuing Ealy, but he has not yet resumed talks with schools outside of Maryland and is aware that his approach to recruiting will change going forward.
“[With my recruitment]I just look at it differently. I'm committed to one school right now, so I'm not going to focus on another. you know what i'm saying? But now that I'm committed, they'll need to come at me with a different attitude to get an equal response from me. ”
There's still a year until signing date, but despite the unexpected commitment, Ellie's recruitment isn't over yet.
But the playing-at-home factor certainly seems to be key as other schools continue to pursue what should be one of the best pass rushers in the 2026 class.
