Mike Locksley has closed out the 2025 cycle with a bang after Imhotep (Pa.) four-star edge Zahir Mathis, the highest-rated unsigned edge prospect, signed with Maryland to close out his recruitment.
Mathis becomes the sixth four-star and 21st signee in Maryland's 2025 class, according to On3's industry ranking, alongside QB Malik Washington, OT Jaylen Gilchrist, SAF Messiah Delhomme, DL Bryce Jenkins and ATH Zymear Smith.
More on Mathis:
Other contenders:
Mathis, a 6-foot-6.5, 230-pound edge, took an official visit to Maryland beginning Jan. 31 and gave his commitment to the staff on Feb. 1, one day before wrapping up his trip. The four-star edge committed to Maryland over Florida State while Virginia Tech, Florida, Oregon, Penn State and UCLA were among the programs involved.
The Seminoles proved to be the toughest competition for Maryland down the stretch after Florida State hosted Mathis for an official visit back on Jan. 10. UCLA was expected to host him for an official visit before the California wildfires derailed visit plans, while a scheduled visit to Michigan was canceled. Virginia Tech worked to get into the mix in mid-January, though a visit to Blacksburg never materialized with the four-star intent on making his way to College Park to close out his recruitment.
How did Maryland become a growing player for the four-star:
After announcing his verbal commitment to Ohio State over a year ago, Mathis parted with the Buckeyes in mid-November before a changing list of suitors developed over the next two months. Mathis’ interest in Maryland began during the week of the Under Armour All-America game when he and Malik Washington rekindled a friendship that began during youth ball when they were teammates on Maryland Heat. Washington proved an integral part of Maryland’s pursuit as the four-star quarterback signee helped point to the need for impact players to bolster the edge position heading into 2025.
Assistant James Thomas led the way with the 6-foot-6, 230-pound edge while head coach Mike Locksley made the trip to Imhotep back on Jan. 8 as the Terps became a quiet, yet viable contender through January.
Background:
Mathis played his youth ball in the DMV for the Maryland Heat before heading to Imhotep (Pa.) where he became a MaxPreps second-team All-American selection.
Mathis projects as an outside linebacker in Maryland’s defense where his 6-foot-5.5 frame, 83-inch wingspan and near 10.5-inch hands give the unit an impact piece with NFL measurables to round out the rotation. Checking in for his Maryland official visit at 236 pounds, the four-star
As a senior, Mathis posted 34 tackles, four TFLs and three sacks while closing out his high school career as an Under Armour All-American. Mathis started in the all-star game and posted three tackles, one pass breakup and one quarterback hurry.
Mathis is ranked the 170th-best prospect in On3’s 2025 rankings.
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