Zion Elee, a five-star edge rusher from St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, recently committed to the University of Maryland, marking a significant achievement for the Terrapins’ 2026 recruiting class.
Elee’s decision to stay close to home was influenced by his desire to create a legacy in Maryland and his strong connections with the coaching staff, particularly co-defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, who also hails from Maryland.
Despite his commitment, Elee remains a target for other prominent programs. He has scheduled official visits to Oregon, Penn State, and Alabama for the upcoming summer. Elee cites Oregon’s successful program and strong connections, Penn State’s history of developing edge rushers, and Alabama’s prestige as reasons for considering these schools.
Elee emphasizes that his commitment to Maryland is serious, stating that other schools will need to approach him differently to elicit a response now that he is committed.
With a year remaining until signing day, Elee’s recruitment is ongoing. However, his commitment to Maryland underscores the program’s growing appeal to top-tier talent and highlights the significance of local connections in recruiting decisions.
For a visual highlight of Zion Elee’s skills, you might find the following video insightful: