Three-star linebacker Eriq Gilyard verbally committed to the Maryland football team Thursday afternoon, he announced via Twitter.

The 5-foot-11, 225-pound Trinity Christian Academy product is the first member of the program’s 2018 recruiting class. He received his offer No. 7.

The Jacksonville, Florida, native is the No. 26 outside linebacker in the 2018 class and the No. 54 player in the state, according to 247sports. Gilyard also had offers from Alabama, Michigan Clemson and about 10 other programs before choosing Maryland.

Gilyard’s pledge is the latest in a string of Florida players to join coach DJ Durkin, as the first-year leader has made recruiting in the area a priority. The Terps have two players from Florida set to arrive in College Park with the 2017 class, while six current freshman hail from the state.