Miami football recruitment of 5-star LB Terrence Lewis likely fading

The recruitment of five-star linebacker Terrence Lewis from Miami Central appears to be fading for the Miami football program.

Miami Central five-star linebacker Terrence Lewis has been all over the place over the last few weeks. Lewis de-committed from Tennessee on November 30. Auburn appeared to be the leader for Lewis before head coach Gus Malzahn was fired earlier this week. The Miami football program and Maryland appear to be the leaders.

Miami Central head coach Roland Smith spoke to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald earlier this week. Smith told Jackson that Lewis is considering going out of town for college but his parents want him to stay home. Multiple reports have various different scenarios for what Lewis will ultimately decide.

Maryland is the one constant program that has been a finalist throughout his recruitment. Miami has four scholarships open in the 2021 signing class. The Hurricanes are reportedly keeping those spots open for a cornerback. Miami could also pursue transfer with quarterback potentially also being a priority.

Whether or not Miami pursues a QB through the transfer portal will depend on if D’Eriq King decides to enter the NFL Draft or return to Miami for the 2021 season. Lewis is the 16th best player, top-ranked inside LB and fifth-best player in Florida in the Class of 2021. Lewis has continued to send mixed messages.

Last week Lewis stated he would sign with either Maryland or Tennessee. Last week on Instagram live, Lewis said Miami or the Terrapins were his finalists. Jackson reported that Lewis is still considering Auburn. There is the added question if Lewis signed a National Letter of Intent last week without making it public.

Lewis will announce his college choice on January 2 on the All-American Bowl: Declaration Day show that is replacing the game that was canceled. There has been speculation Lewis signed and will announce next week or that he will sign and then enroll early but wait to officially sign on National Signing Day on February 3.

The most recent crystal balls for Lewis were to Auburn earlier this month but came before the Malzahn firing. There is not a firm projection of what Lewis intends to do. There is also the potential for Lewis to commit somewhere, enroll and sign his NLI somewhere else. The recruitment of Lewis has been drama-filled.