St. Frances alum, Maryland linebacker Jaishawn Barham to enter transfer portal

Jaishawn Barham, perhaps Maryland football’s best defensive player and the top recruit in its class of 2022, announced he’ll enter the transfer portal on X, the site formerly known as Twitter.

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The linebacker, a former four-star recruit, came to Maryland as a late flip from South Carolina and started immediately. He exploded in his first year, leading the Terps in tackles for loss and sacks. He had slightly muted numbers as a sophomore but was named All-Big Ten honorable mention.

“A special talent, special individual. He knows the game, loves the game,” Maryland senior linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II said midseason. “He has an ability to come off the edge and play in the box. On third downs, he gets to the quarterback and then, first and second down, he’s in the box making plays as well. Very special talent, all-around player. ... He’s that guy.”

The top recruits in each of Maryland’s last three recruiting classes — Chop Robinson, Barham and Rico Walker — have all transferred.

The Terps’ linebacking corps will have to be reshaped. Fa’Najae Gotay has exhausted his eligibility, and Hyppolite has not announced whether he’ll return. Sophomore Caleb Wheatland and freshman Michael Harris could see extended playing time in the Terps’ bowl game and next season.

Varun Shankar

varun.shankar@contractors.thebaltimorebanner.com