Stefon Diggs has become a household name in the NFL, celebrated for his exceptional receiving skills. But before his professional success, Diggs was a standout player at the University of Maryland. Let’s delve into Stefon Diggs’ career stats during his time with the Maryland Terrapins, showcasing his impressive college football journey.
Freshman Year Impact (2012)
Diggs made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2012. He played in 11 of 12 games and quickly established himself as a versatile threat, contributing as a wide receiver and on special teams. His all-purpose yardage was truly remarkable, ranking second in the ACC and eighth nationally with an average of 172.4 yards per game. This freshman campaign saw him amass 1,896 all-purpose yards, the second-highest single-season total in Maryland school history, only surpassed by Torrey Smith’s record in 2009.
He also demonstrated his prowess as a receiver, leading the team with 54 receptions, 848 receiving yards, and 6 touchdown catches. In the ACC, he ranked fifth in receiving yards per game (77.1), second in kick return average (28.5), and fifth in punt return average (10.0).
Key Freshman Year Stats:
- Receptions: 54 (Team Leader)
- Receiving Yards: 848 (Team Leader)
- Receiving Touchdowns: 6 (Team Leader)
- All-Purpose Yards: 1,896 (2nd in School History)
- All-Purpose Yards Per Game: 172.4 (2nd in ACC, 8th Nationally)
- Kick Return Average: 28.5 (2nd in ACC)
- Punt Return Average: 10.0 (5th in ACC)
Diggs earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors three times during his freshman season, highlighting his consistent outstanding performances. Notable games included a performance against West Virginia where he had 113 receiving yards and two touchdowns, and a game against Boston College where he recorded a season-high 11 receptions for 152 yards and another touchdown. He also showed his big-play ability with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown against Virginia.
Sophomore Season Cut Short (2013)
As a sophomore in 2013, Diggs continued to excel and was recognized as an honorable mention All-ACC selection by both the media and coaches. He was also a member of the team’s leadership council, indicating his growing influence both on and off the field. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a season-ending injury sustained against Wake Forest in October, causing him to miss the final six games.
Despite the shortened season, Diggs still managed to put up impressive numbers. He started the year strong with 98 receiving yards and a touchdown against FIU, along with 70 yards on kickoff returns. The following game against Old Dominion saw him achieve a career-best 179 receiving yards and a touchdown, earning him ACC Receiver of the Week honors. He also recorded 110 receiving yards and a touchdown against Connecticut, showing his consistent ability to impact games.
Key Sophomore Year Stats (in limited games):
- Honorable Mention All-ACC
- ACC Receiver of the Week (following Old Dominion game)
- Career-High Receiving Yards: 179 (vs. Old Dominion)
Junior Year and All-Big Ten Recognition (2014)
Diggs’ junior year in 2014 marked Maryland’s move to the Big Ten Conference. He earned second team All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition from the media. He led the team in receptions (52), receiving yards (654), and receiving touchdowns (5), reaffirming his position as the team’s primary offensive weapon.
He recorded three 100-yard receiving games during the season, tying for fourth in the Big Ten in that category. Highlights included a 127-yard game against West Virginia with a career-long 77-yard touchdown reception, and a 130-yard performance against Iowa where he took a screen pass 53 yards for a touchdown. He also scored a touchdown in four consecutive games mid-season, demonstrating his reliability in the red zone.
Key Junior Year Stats:
- Second Team All-Big Ten (Coaches)
- Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (Media)
- Receptions: 52 (Team Leader)
- Receiving Yards: 654 (Team Leader)
- Receiving Touchdowns: 5 (Team Leader)
- 100-Yard Receiving Games: 3 (Tied for 4th in Big Ten)
- Longest Career Reception: 77 yards (vs. West Virginia)
Before Maryland: High School Success
Prior to his college career, Stefon Diggs was a highly touted recruit out of Good Counsel High School. He was considered a consensus five-star recruit and consistently ranked among the top wide receivers and overall prospects nationally. Rivals.com ranked him as the No. 2 wide receiver, and ESPN.com placed him as the No. 13 prospect in the nation. He was also the top-rated recruit in the state of Maryland.
His high school accolades included being a 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection and a first-team All-State selection as a junior. He was also named MVP of the U.S. Army All-American Junior Combine in 2011. During his senior season, he recorded 770 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, along with 277 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, showcasing his all-around athleticism even in high school.
Stefon Diggs’ College Career Highlights
- Versatile Player: Excelled as a receiver, kick returner, and punt returner.
- Freshman Year Impact: Immediately became a key player, setting school records and earning national recognition.
- All-Conference Recognition: Earned All-ACC and All-Big Ten honors throughout his career.
- Big-Play Ability: Consistently demonstrated the ability to make long receptions and return touchdowns.
- Leadership Qualities: Named to the team’s leadership council as a sophomore.
Stefon Diggs’ career stats at Maryland clearly illustrate his talent and potential. His consistent performance and ability to excel in multiple roles set the stage for his successful NFL career. His time as a Terrapin provided a strong foundation and showcased the skills that would make him a top wide receiver in professional football.
Source: Original article provided.
