After committing to Maryland football in August, three-star defensive tackle Jerzhan “Johnny” Newton flipped his decision Wednesday, opting to sign with Illinois instead.
The 6’3, 255-pound defensive end would have provided Maryland with reinforcement at a position of need with five starters in the front seven set to graduate. While head coach Mike Locksley has worked on building his program on both sides of the ball, it is the defensive side that needed the most help.
Maryland allowed nearly 450 yards per game — dead last in the Big Ten. The defensive line struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks, sacrificing big-play potential that the opposition ultimately capitalized on frequently.