Word broke yesterday that the Maryland football team secured two verbal commitments for the class of 2008

Cameron Chism, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound cornerback from Bishop McNamara in Forestville, and Justin Lewis, a 6-foot-4, 285-pound offensive lineman from Johnsonville, S.C., both notified the UM coaching staff of their intentions earlier this week.

“[Cameron] really wanted to make his decision before the season started and concentrate on having a great senior season,” said Bishop McNamara head coach Bryce Bevill.

Chism, a three-star player according to Rivals, chose the Terps over offers from Pittsburgh and Connecticut among others.

Maryland defensive coordinator Chris Cosh, a Bishop McNamara alumnus, and former Terps defensive back and current graduate assistant Dennard Wilson both played a large role in landing Chism.

“Those two guys were very instrumental in making Cameron feel really comfortable with Maryland,” Bevill said.

Chism, Maryland’s fifth-highest rated commit according to Rivals, joins Tavon Wilson as the Terps’ second defensive back commit for the class of 2008.

“[Maryland is] getting a top-notch player,” Bevill said. “He’s a guy that finishes plays. He’s big corner -- a 4.4 guy that can run. He’s a complete corner. He’s physical, has great ball technique. He’s an awesome player.

“As good of a player as he is, he’s an even better person. He’s a great kid that’s very active in the community. He’s also a gym rat who loves to work out. He doesn’t mind the preparation that it takes to be good.”

Lewis, who chose Maryland over North Carolina State, also wanted to get his decision out of the way early in his high school season.

“I knew he was real interested in Maryland and I think his whole family really liked the the university, the classes and the coaches,” said Johnsonville head coach Lewis Lineberger. “I think he wanted to get the pressure off and he was real satisfied with what Maryland had to offer.”

Lewis becomes Maryland’s second offensive line commitment for 2008, joining Pennsylvania tackle R.J. Dill. Gonzaga’s A.J. Francis and Wilde Lake’s Cody Blue also have the potential to play on the offensive line, but are likely slated for defense.

A two-star recruit according to Rivals, Lewis was impressed with Maryland’s educational offerings. According to Lineberger, the offensive guard sports a grade point average better than 3.0.

“Well [Maryland is] getting a good person and a very good student and one that can be a very good football player,” Lineberger said. “I think his best football is ahead of him. He definitely has potential. I think his best football is yet to come. Here he plays offense and defense. I think he’s really going to mature when he just plays one side of the ball.”