Maryland Lands 2025 Four-Star Zymear Smith

© Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Maryland coach Mike Locksley continued his impressive recruiting streak by securing the commitment of 2025 four-star athlete Zymear Smith to the Terrapins. Originally committed to Alabama, Smith de-committed on July 3. A Maryland native, Smith visited College Park, Md. on June 21 and subsequently chose the Terps over South Carolina, Penn State and other top-flight programs.

Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 170 pounds, Smith showcased his versatility in high school, excelling as both a running back and a defensive back. Hailing from North Caroline High School in Ridgely, Md., Smith brings proven talent that the Terrapins aim to elevate to the next level.

Who Is Zymear Smith?

At North Caroline, Smith played multiple positions, proving he is an all-around athlete. Smith frequently ran the ball, earning all-state honors in Maryland as a running back. In his junior year, he rushed for 609 yards and 7 touchdowns. His offensive contributions didn’t stop there; he also showcased his pass-catching abilities with 9 receptions for 380 yards and four touchdowns.

Smith also shone on defense, amassing 20 tackles and 3 interceptions in his junior year, further solidifying his status as a versatile prospect. Furthermore, ranked as the No. 8 player in the state, he returned punts, taking 2 to the house. Initially locked in and committed to Alabama, Smith was ultimately swayed to join the Terps by defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim.

Scouting Zymear Smith

When watching the film on Smith, a few things immediately stand out. Classified as an athlete, his game truly justifies that title. Smith is quick on his feet, and all his cuts are coordinated. His entire game involves remarkable fluidity. Not only can Smith do it all, but he also does it very well.

As a running back, Smith poses an immediate threat. With his speed, any space given to him results in significant gains, as he can quickly reach the next level. Smith is a bona fide playmaker, able to turn seemingly lost plays into big gains. His tape shows numerous instances where he breaks tackles, evades defenders and uses his explosiveness to outrun opponents. This speed and athleticism make him extremely difficult to catch, enhancing his value as both a back and kick returner.

On defense, Smith reads the offense well. With 3 interceptions last year, he consistently found the ball and made the right plays. While his college game will likely focus on offense, he remains a solid defensive back who could contribute in specific situations.

Impact on Maryland

Smith’s commitment is a significant win for Maryland, marking their fifth four-star recruit in the 2025 cycle. Currently, the Terrapins boast the 34th-best recruiting class in the nation and the 10th in the Big Ten Conference, according to On3. This recent uptick in rankings reflects the importance of each big-name commitment in the program’s upward trajectory. Securing a Maryland native also boosts their in-state recruiting efforts, aligning with the trend of attracting high-level local talent this cycle.

Examining the depth chart on OurLads, Smith has the potential to see playing time as a freshman, especially with a possible departing senior in the RB room. Maryland has a junior back in Roman Hemby and two freshman backs, Nolan Ray and DeJuan Williams. Additionally, 2025 RB Iverson Howard will join Smith in his freshman season. Even if Smith redshirts his first year, there should be ample opportunity for him to contribute significantly in 2026.

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