Image Credit: Washington Post
Commitment Date: August 20, 2013
Hometown: Olney, MD
High School: Our Lady of Good Counsel
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 240 lbs.
247Sports Rank: #6 SDE, 4-star
ESPN Rank: #11 DE, 4-star
Rivals Rank: N/A, 4-star WDE
Scout Rank: #35 DE, 4-star
40 time: 4.60 secs. (247Sports), N/A (ESPN, Rivals, Scout)
Other Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Hawaii, Iowa, Mississippi, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, West Virginia
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Jesse Aniebonam currently sits as one of the best recruits for Randy Edsall and his staff so far in 2014. The 4-star defensive end from Olney passed over offers from schools like Alabama, Auburn, and Notre Dame to attend his hometown school in College Park. His recruitment can be attributed to offensive coordinator Mike Locksley’s efforts. The presence of former Our Lady of Good Counsel Falcon Stefon Diggs probably didn’t hurt matters.
In an article for the Washington Post, Brandon Parker explained that Aniebonam’s decision to attend the University of Maryland was a matter of comfort. “I think I have not only a really good relationship with the coaches at Maryland but with the players as well,” Aniebonam said. “I believe it’s a perfect fit and I’ll be able to prosper there for the next four years.”
Brian Stewart has said that he wants to use Aniebonam in a hybrid outside linebacker role, similar to the one that Terrell Suggs has played for the Baltimore Ravens for many years. This will allow him more flexibility to move around on the defensive side of the ball, and to keep the offense busy trying to locate him. He could play on either side of the defensive line, but most of his time will likely come from the weakside.
In the 3-4 scheme, your weakside defensive end is typically a smaller defensive tackle. Therefore, by placing a smaller hybrid linebacker/defensive end on that side, the line balances out and becomes more of a 4-3 look. The system will still be of a 3-4 variety, but could become even more complex with the addition of Aniebonam.
While he has the talent to make an immediate impact, I would expect Aniebonam to play a similar role that Yannick Ngakoue played in his freshman season. He will probably be a package player, coming in during certain situations that allow him to fully utilize his skills. He will also see a lot of time on special teams. By his second season, however, he should be starting and fully equipped to take advantage of his role as a hybrid outside linebacker in Brian Stewart’s 3-4 defensive system.
Terps Analyst
Zack is a financial analyst for a defense contractor in Washington, DC. The Owings Mills native focuses most of his efforts on Maryland Football recruiting and individual coach and player pieces; but also covers Terps Basketball. He has established relationships with Big Ten beat reporters across the conference, which he utilizes in his game previews. Now a Sr. Terps Analyst for BSL, Zack can be reached at: zack.kiesel@baltimoresportsandlife.com.