After a decommitment from local four-star defensive back Noah Boykin just weeks before National Signing Day Feb. 7, Maryland has found itself a nice replacement with a last-minute pledge to its 2018 class from Tampa (Fla.) Hillsborough three-star athlete Ken Montgomery.

The 6-foot-2, 165-pound prospect is projected to play cornerback for the Terps and he chose Maryland over his other two finalists, Nebraska and Louisville.

Montgomery, a former UCLA commit, visited all three of his top schools, with Maryland and Nebraska official visits occurring in the last two weeks, and ultimately decided to make College Park his next home.

While Montgomery might not be quite as skilled overall as Boykin, the Terps are still getting themselves a defensive back with ideal size, good speed, and solid tackling.

Some work with Maryland’s renowned defensive backs coach Aazaar Abdul-Rahim should help tighten up Montgomery’s footwork and hone his strengths to maximize his playmaking ability. A fluid athlete, Montgomery still needs to add some bulk to his frame, but time in a college strength and conditioning program should do the trick there.

The Terps will be getting a willing tackler that can play in press and zone, so this could turn out to be quite an impactful late signing by head coach D.J. Durkin and his staff.

The addition of Montgomery gives Maryland 22 total members of its 2018 class, nearly all of which signed during the early signing period in December. The Florida native is the fourth defensive back to commit to the Terps this year, joining fellow three-stars Jordan Mosley, Vincent Flythe, and Raymond Boone.