This is the Maryland Minute, a short story followed by a roundup of Terps-related news.
Three-star linebacker Justin Okoronkwo announced his decommitment from Maryland football in a tweet Saturday, and just a day later announced his plans to play at Alabama.
After time thinking, and multiple discussions with my Family & Coaches, i would like to announce my decommitment from The University of Maryland.
— Justin Okoronkwo (@Okoronkw1Justin) July 8, 2023
I am happy to announce that i am 100% fully committed to the University of Alabama! lets get to work #RollTide @AlabamaFTBL @CoachRobertBala @PPIRecruits @BCollierPPI @JoshAlaeze pic.twitter.com/sVbA0BYB0v
— Justin Okoronkwo (@Okoronkw1Justin) July 9, 2023
Okoronkwo announced his verbal commitment to Maryland back in November and was its first commitment in the 2024 class. The Munich, Germany product toured multiple colleges this summer and impressed many elite programs during his workouts, however, ultimately leading to his decision to reopen his recruitment.
Standing at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Okoronkwo is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the 33rd-best linebacker in his class and was the Terps’ fifth-highest-rated prospect in their 2024 recruiting class.
In other news
Matt Shaw was selected No. 13 overall by the Chicago Cubs in the 2023 MLB Draft Sunday. Jon Iacovacci had the story.
Former Maryland football head coach Ralph Friedgen and women’s lacrosse associate head coach Jen Adams were inducted into the Washington, D.C. Sports Hall of Fame in a ceremony Sunday at Nationals Park.
DC Sports Hall of Famer!!!
Congrats to the GOAT @JenAdams_7! pic.twitter.com/VhNhE9WLCb
— Maryland Women’s Lacrosse (@MarylandWLax) July 9, 2023
Incoming Maryland baseball freshman Joey McMannis was named a national third-team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association.
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Congratulations to Joey McMannis on being named a national third-team All-American by the ABCA!!!
https://t.co/nLSYpRrC5X | #DirtyTerps pic.twitter.com/1LqooKx5b2
— Maryland Baseball (@TerpsBaseball) July 7, 2023
Former Maryland lacrosse player Anthony DeMaio tallied his first professional goal in the Premier Lacrosse League.
First professional goal for @thedemaio12!! pic.twitter.com/wsOdAZKDv8
— Maryland Men’s Lacrosse (@TerpsMLax) July 9, 2023
Former Maryland women’s basketball player Tianna Hawkins tied her WNBA career-high Sunday with 24 points.
Tied for a career-high w/ 24 PTS ✔️ @t_hawk21 pic.twitter.com/2VdDhzelbI
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) July 9, 2023