Maryland Linebacker Terrence Lewis Enters Transfer Portal

OXFORD, Miss. — It is safe to say the transfer portal has become, as Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin likes to say, college football’s free-agency pool. If you think the coaching carousel has been crazy the last few days, try keeping up with the transfer portal. Following the changes in college football is no longer day-by-day, it is more hour-by-hour.

Nonetheless as programs are in a heated battle to finish this 2022 recruiting marathon, it is a safe bet they will be turning more and more to the transfer portal to solidify their remaining needs to continue to build.

It is not a surprise the Rebels may look to the portal a good bit, especially with the talent that’s entering in faster than most can track. Rome wasn’t built in a day, as they say, and neither is any dynasty in college football.

Ole Miss may not be in the SEC Championship yet, but if things keep going the way they are — bringing in players that are talented and versatile — the future looks bright.

The Rebels’ continued need to build on the defense must be at the forefront of this cycle and moving forward, especially at the linebacker position. So, when the former top-rated five-star linebacker in his class becomes available, it makes sense to me that this could be one to watch.

The linebacker in question is Maryland transfer Terrence Lewis.

2021 5-star LB Terrence Lewis has entered the transfer portal; missed his true freshman season at Maryland after tearing his ACL in March @rivalsmike @TerrapinNation https://t.co/7lrTYsCjZY

— NCAA Transfer Portal (@RivalsPortal) November 29, 2021

Terrence Lewis

It helps the Ole Miss effort that defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin is a former Maryland head coach and Chance Campbell, who helped revitalize the Landshark defense, came to Oxford as a graduate transfer from Maryland.

Do not be surprised if Durkin’s and Campbell’s cell phone logs have outgoing calls to the College Park 301 area code.

Lewis, an outside linebacker, did not see action his freshman season with the Terps due to a torn ACL and injured shoulder that required surgery, but his injury should not affect his performance going forward.

He was one of the most sought-after linebackers in 2021 with over 43 offers coming out high school.  He was ranked on 247Sports as the No.21 overall athlete, No.1 linebacker and No.5 prospect in Florida, and he also made 247s All-Time Football Player ranks coming in at 226 all-time.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Miami native ultimately chose Maryland over: Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky,LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Miami, Nebraska, Oregon, Penn State, Ole Miss and others.

Fit In The Sip

Obviously, it seems Miami could have the edge if being close to home is at the forefront of his recruitment; however, that could rest on what the Canes decide with head coach Manny Diaz.

Nonetheless, there is no better time than now for the Rebels to take a chance on Lewis.

The Ole Miss defense could use a few more irons in the fire, especially now that they have lost Momo Sanogo to the portal.

Even though he was out the regular season, Lewis brings the heat with size and speed. Nothing is for certain when it comes to how an athlete will be post-surgery, but there is still a higher potential to Lewis’ game, and he also has all his eligibility, so it is like getting a blue-chip prospect all over again.

The Opa Locka, Florida native is lean and strong. He is extremely athletic across the board with exceptional speed that is a real game-changer. Pair that with his physicality and his strong coverage skills, along with being a good tackler, and he is an attractive recruit.

If a team wants to be the best, it must go after the best and Lewis is that. With the Ole Miss defense on the rise, this would be an ideal time for the Rebels to capitalize on such a talented player.

Stay tuned here at The Rebel Walk for our transfer portal coverage!

(Feature image credit: 247Sports)