Maryland was one of the most dominant defensive linemen of his time.
Russell Maryland was one of the most dominant defensive linemen that college football had ever seen during his time with the Miami Hurricanes.
For his historic contributions to the game, the University of Miami, the National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame will jointly pay homage to Maryland with a NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute during Saturday’s faceoff between the Hurricanes and Ohio State.
"It's an honor and a blessing to be named among the cream of the crop of college football athletes," Maryland said in May, when he was elected to the College Hall of Fame.
"Twenty-five years ago, not even knowing I was going to play college football at a high level, and here [I am] 25 years later after having played 10 years in the NFL, it's amazing. Some of my best times happened when I was at the University of Miami."
Maryland was a unanimous All-American as a senior and also received the Outland Trophy that year in recognition of being the nation’s best interior lineman in 1990. Maryland, who played at “The U” from 1986-90, completed his career with 279 tackles, 25 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks. He was also instrumental in helping the Hurricanes to win two national championships, four bowl wins, a perfect home record and a 44-4 overall record during that four-year span.
"One of most decorated football players in Miami history, Russell Maryland played a key role in the Hurricanes' national titles in 1987 and 1989," said NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell. "His natural talents, coupled with his legendary work ethic, made him one of the most feared players during his four years in Coral Gables. It will be a thrill to honor him in front of the Hurricane faithful on September 17."
This year's class also includes: Carlos Alvarez (Florida), Doug English (Texas), Bill Enyart (Oregon State), Eddie George (Ohio State), Marty Lyons (Alabama), Deion Sanders (Florida State), Jake Scott (Georgia), Will Shields (Nebraska), Sandy Stephens (Minnesota), Darryl Talley (West Virginia), Clendon Thomas (Oklahoma), Rob Waldrop (Arizona), Gene Washington (Michigan State), coach Lloyd Carr (Michigan), and coach Fisher DeBerry (Air Force).
Contact Terrance Harris at terrancefharris@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @Terranceharris
(Photo: Allen Steele/Allsport/Getty Images)
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