Jared Gaither is officially no longer a Maryland Terrapin.

Head coach Ralph Friedgen announced in a release Thursday that his former offensive tackle would apply for entry into 2007 NFL Supplemental Draft on July 12.

“We wish him the best of luck and hope he achieves success in the NFL and in life,” Friedgen said in the release. “It's a decision he's put a lot of thought into.

“He's expressed a desire to get his degree, but I think the opportunity to make a living and the chance to be successful at the next level was a deciding factor.”

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The 6-foot-9, 350- pound tackle is eligible for the NFL because, with his year playing at Hargrove Military Academy (Va.), he is three years removed from high school. Despite only playing two years of football before attending Maryland, his experience playing on both sides of the line for the Terps, while not allowing a sack as a freshman in 2005 makes him an attractive supplemental draft pick.

While filled with promise, Gaither's status with the Maryland football program had been up and down for the past year. He was suspended during the 2006 summer workouts for undisclosed activities and to start the 2006 season he was benched in the Terps opener, a 27-14 home win over William & Mary.

He was held out of spring practice this year to focus on his academics and rumors circulated that the White Plains resident would not be returning to the team this fall. Last week ESPN.com first reported that Gaither was academically ineligible for the fall season and Maryland officials confirmed it.

Gaither started in 17 games for the Terps and played in 23 of 24 in two seasons, splitting time between right and left tackle.

“This was a decision I came to after sitting down with my family and reviewing my academic situation,” Gaither said in the release Thursday. “I felt my best option now was to enter the Supplement Draft, though I would like to come back and get my degree.”