Rakim Jarrett declared for the 2023 NFL Draft after three seasons with Maryland football.

Jarrett, a five-star recruit coming out of high school according to 247 sports, turned down countless division 1 offers to play for Maryland, including offers from Alabama, LSU, and many other blueblood programs. 

The star wide receiver said, “it was an honor to represent Maryland.” Jarrett, a local kid from Washington D.C.,  attended St. John’s College High School before becoming a Terp. 

Jarrett racked up over 1,500 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns throughout his college career and was an Honorable Big-Ten Mention in his three seasons in College Park. Head Coach Mike Locksley gave great praise to Jarrett moments before Jarrett announced his decision in a press conference this week. 

“This kid, this young man, he’s not a kid anymore man, did more for our program in the last three years in how he elevated it not just as a player, but being a local guy that made the decision to stay home,” Locksley said. 

Jarrett himself raved about the turnaround of Maryland over the past few years and gave a few words of wisdom for any players in the recruitment process. “I had all the offers you could imagine…you don’t have to go to the big-name schools to do what you want to do.” 

The NFL hopeful will forego his NCAA eligibility, including his eligibility for Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Dec 30. against  North Carolina State. Maryland looks to finish the 2022 season with 8 wins, which would be the most since 2010 when the Terps finished 9-4 and won the Military Bowl under former Head Coach Ralph Friedgen.