Georgia DB Erwin Byrd ready 'to bring that shut down lifestyle to Maryland'
Capping off Maryland’s biggest on-campus recruiting weekend so far in the Mike Locksley era, the Terps received a commitment Jan. 27 from McEachern (Power Springs, Ga.) 2019 two-star cornerback Erwin Byrd, who chose College Park over the likes of Pittsburgh and Colorado.
The 6-foot, 175-pound Georgia native became the 13th commit to Maryland’s 2019 class over the weekend and he told TSR that it was the home-like feeling he got from College Park that helped the Terps earn his pledge.
“It’s a great area very similar to the city part of where I’m from, so when I got there the only thing new to me was the temperature,” Byrd told TSR. “The coaches there also showed me a lot of love. I felt like I was in a place I could definitely call home. I love how everything is in walking distance. When you first get there it looks huge but everything is close.”
Terps new defensive backs coach Cory Robinson spearheaded Byrd’s recruitment for Maryland, and the two hit it off right away with Robinson’s past work catching Byrd’s eye.
“I have the closest relationship with Coach Cory [Robinson] because he is my position coach,” Byrd said. “When I told him I was ready to be a part of the family he was very excited. I can’t wait to take in as much knowledge as I can from him. He has trained many successful DBs in the league such as Minka Fitzpatrick. I feel like he is the right coach to get me to the next level.”
Byrd has not yet discussed with Robinson or any of the other Terps defensive coaches what Maryland’s defensive scheme might look like next season. However, he plans to do so Jan. 31 when Robinson and Terps senior defensive analyst Brawley Evans pay him and in-home visit.
Robinson is not the only person in College Park that has built a strong bond with Byrd. The Terps recruiting weekend Jan. 25-27 went a long way in helping Byrd develop strong relationships with his future coaches and teammates.
“I have numerous bonds with different guys,” Byrd said. “There are very cool guys that play on the team and they showed a lot of love. I think the 2019 commits for DBs will be something special this year. We also landed a great three-star safety named Treron Collins. I hung out with him the majority of my visit.”
A former wideout, Byrd brings with him to College Park confidence and athleticism as a defensive back. He is eager to join the Terps this summer and wants Maryland fans to know that they’re getting a high talented player that will be able to contribute heavily.
“I’m going to bring that shut down lifestyle to Maryland,” Byrd said. “I’m a long athlete with very fluid hips, great instincts, and great ball tracking skills, being that I used to play wide receiver.”