Is Diggs the new Walt Williams?

                Not too long ago one of my local rants was about the University of Maryland and its inability to successfully recruit the strong local talent.  I pointed out that the University has only landed a prospect ranked in the top 100 (local or otherwise) once in the since 2005.  I dismissed the possibility of them landing the last undecided local prospect ranked in the top 100 Stefon Diggs, referencing not only their past struggles to recruit such a player but pointing out the other two top local talents that committed to Florida St.  Well, the terps decided to prove me wrong!

                The university responded by convincing Stefon Diggs to sign a letter of intent to play his college ball at the University of Maryland.  Diggs, a wide receiver from Good Counsel high school in Olney, Maryland, not only was the 8^th overall prospect in the country according to rivals.com, but the best skill position player native to the east coast.  Diggs is just one player but his impact on the team could extend much further than just his performance on the playing field.

                Almost 25 years ago Walt Williams made the decision to stay with the University of Maryland after coach Bob Wade resigned, and Gary Williams took over to lead the school’s basketball program.  Walt’s presence and play was the foundation that helped the coach build a nationally respected program and a hall of fame career.  Diggs has the same opportunity to do this for Edsall.

In Edsall’s first year the team struggled mightily and finished with a 2-10 record.  Fans have already expressed their displeasure with Edsall and have made clear their desires for the university to replace him already.  Since the Terps made the unpopular decision say goodbye to long time coach Ralph Friedgen and welcome in former University of Connecticut coach Randy Edsall, 23 players have announced their intent to transfer.  Edsall has somehow managed to put together a pretty strong recruiting class for the 2012 season, with Diggs leading the way. 

With the historic trend of top local players fleeing the state to play for other Universities, Edsall could make his mark by ending this trend.  So tell me what do you think, could Diggs be Edsall’s Walt Williams?

Diggs Good Counsel Highlights