Maryland running back Lorenzo Harrison announced on Twitter Monday he is medically retiring from football.
In a heartfelt message, Harrison thanked his family, the University of Maryland, and the game of football.
“From the time I was 4 years old, football has been the absolute center of my life. This game has taken me places at the age of 22 most could only dream of,” Harrison wrote. “However, during the last game I competed in, I suffered a severe knee injury.
“Due to those circumstances which are far out of my control, I believe it is in my best interest to convert my focus from ball to the next great thing God has in store for me. With that being said, I am medically retiring from the game that has given me everything I could ever ask for.”
After putting up impressive numbers in his first two seasons at Maryland, Harrison was limited to five games in the next two seasons due to knee injuries. His latest occurred on Sept. 27, 2019 against Penn State in which he tore his MCL and partially tore an ACL.
Granted medical redshirt, Harrison was set to return to Maryland penciled in as a lead back. His retirement leaves more questions in the Terrapins’ backfield.
Anthony McFarland Jr., and Javon Leake each declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. Jake Funk is returning after suffering a torn ACL in 2019. Head coach Mike Locksley landed recruits Isaiah Jacobs (the brother of Raiders running back Josh Jacobs) and Penny Boone during early signing period. He also received a commitment from Ebony Jackson, who has yet to sign his letter of intent.
Harrison starred at nearby DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland before committing to the Terrapins.
At Maryland, Lorenzo Harrison rushed for 1,409 yards and nine touchdowns with a 5.8 yards per carry average.
