The Terrapins football team added former Connecticut linebacker Jefferson Ashiru, the program announced Friday.
Ashiru, who will use his final year of eligibility this season, was controversially dismissed from the program in November. He did graduate from Connecticut, though, and will pursue a master’s degree in real estate development at this university.
As a redshirt junior last season with the Huskies, Ashiru started eight games and recorded 47 tackles. He also recorded one interception and 3.5 tackles for a loss.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jefferson to the Maryland football family,” coach Randy Edsall said in a news release. “Jefferson has experience as a starter and can play multiple positions at linebacker. He has a tremendous work ethic and terrific understanding of the game. During his time at UConn, he played in a similar system and he will make a seamless transition. We are confident he will be a great team leader for our football program.”
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound Ashiru will help bolster a young Terps linebacking corps that graduated four starters.
“I’m really excited to join the Maryland football program and have the opportunity to compete in the Big Ten Conference,” Ashiru said in the release. “I have known Coach Edsall and was also recruited by [Maryland defensive backs coach] Darrell Perkins, so those relationships played a key role in my decision to come to Maryland. Coach Edsall is a tremendous leader who cares deeply about his players. I’m looking forward to furthering my education and continuing my football career for a great University.”
