Head coach Mike Locksley and the Maryland Terrapins landed arguably the nation's top prospect in the 2026 class when Zion Elee committed to the Terps. The 6-3, 220-pound edge rusher out of St. Frances Academy is rated as the No. 1 overall player according to Rivals' latest rankings.
Although Terps fans are eager to see Elee dominate as a defender, it sounds like he also plans on making an impact on offense as well. On Thursday, Rivals reported that Elee also intends to play wide receiver in college.
Maryland Five-Star Plus+ EDGE commit Zion Elee says he will also play WR in college⚡️
— Rivals (@Rivals) July 17, 2025
Elee is the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class.https://t.co/S82tHvuBss pic.twitter.com/0ZiMq9SbPw
Elee retweeted the report from Rivals, seemingly confirming that he does intend to play wide receiver for the Terrapins. Given his size and athleticism, it certainly wouldn't be impossible if Elee does attempt to play both sides of the ball.
Recruiting analyst Billy Tucker recently indicated that Elee is one of the most athletic edge rushers they've ever evaluated, and his blazing 4.4 speed in the 40 would put him in the top five percent all-time at the NFL combine for a defensive end. His broad jump of over 11 feet during the spring is also the highest ever recorded on the Under Armour Camp series platform.
Zion Elee is one of the most athletic edge rushers we’ve ever evaluated @D1zion26
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) July 17, 2025
One of the premier pass rushers in the nation with 4.4 speed, 80-inch wing, and a record-breaking 11 foot broad jump sets him apart as one of the best prospects in the world.
Learn more:… pic.twitter.com/q8v784m170
We'll see if it actually comes to fruition, but the fact that Elee -- the nation's top edge rusher -- could also play wide receiver at the collegiate level tells you everything you need to know about his athleticism. The Terps got their hands on a generational talent who could become a super star in College Park.
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