Oct 21, 2017; Madison, WI, USA; An Maryland Terrapins helmet sits on the sidelines during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Maryland Offers 2027 4-star RB out of Georgia

Originally posted on Maryland Terrapins on SI
By Brandon Walker | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 2:05 PM ET

Although the 2026 recruiting cycle is not yet over, that doesn't mean Mike Locksley and his staff are not already working on their 2027 recruiting class. Maryland has extended an offer to Jerry “Andrew” Beard II, a 2027 four-star running back out of Prince Avenue Christian School in Bogart, Georgia.

Beard (5-foot-10, 190 pounds) is the No. 26 player in Georgia, the No. 16 running back, and the No. 187 player in the country, according to 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Blessed with an offer from Maryland! @Coach_Merci @pacsfootball1 @DAWGHZERECRUITS @bsa28_ @Rivals @247recruiting @najehwilk @ChadSimmons_ pic.twitter.com/vYNOLekJd1
— Jerry “Andrew” Beard II (@jabeard2027) July 22, 2025

Beard is the nephew of Garrison Hearst, who starred at Georgia as he finished third in the Heisman Trophy race in 1992. He played for the Cincinnati Bengals and San Francisco 49ers and rushed for 1,000 yards on four occasions, made two Pro Bowls, and was the 2001 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

He earned first-team all-region honors as a freshman in 2023 playing safety, where he recorded 75 tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble and averaged 7.1 yards per carry. As a sophomore, he recorded 2,886 all-purpose yards and 26 total touchdowns last season.

However, Hearst was injured for the state championship game, which contributed to the team’s bid at a three-peat coming up one win short.

Maryland is competing with no less than 34 other schools, some of which are schools from the SEC and the Big Ten. If Maryland manages to secure his commitment, he would become the first player in the 2027 recruiting class to choose Maryland, and he is expected to be the team's most valuable asset.

This article first appeared on Maryland Terrapins on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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