Dec 29, 2018; Arlington, TX, United States; Clemson Tigers linebacker Shaq Smith (5) celebrates a sack in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2018 Cotton Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at AT&T Stadium. Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Former Clemson linebacker Shaq Smith has landed at Maryland as a graduate transfer, the Terrapins announced Monday.
Smith, who has two years of eligibility remaining, entered the transfer portal last month despite ending spring ball projected as a starter for the defending national champion Tigers. He made 16 tackles, including 2.5 for loss and a sack, in 15 games as a backup last season.
Smith, a Baltimore native who completed his high school career at IMG Academy in Florida, had been linked to Maryland since entering the portal. He has a strong relationship with Maryland cornerbacks coach Cory Robinson, who coached Smith for a year in high school in Baltimore.
Smith (6-2, 250) redshirted in 2016 and played in 13 games in 2017, tallying 14 tackles and one interception.
He was a four-star recruit in Clemson’s 2016 class, rated as the No. 3 inside linebacker prospect, according to the 247Sports composite rankings.
While Smith is eligible immediately, Maryland is waiting on an NCAA transfer waiver on another linebacker — Ohio State’s Keandre Jones.
