5 Reasons Why Stefon Diggs Will Make an Impact in the ACC in 2012

Stefon Diggs surprised many recruiting analysts on the national level when he committed to attend the University of Maryland over the likes of Alabama and Auburn. Now, for Diggs, comes the task of helping to rebuild a program. Former Terps, including Torrey Smith and Darrius Heyward-Bey, have proven that success at Maryland can lead to opportunities at the next level.

The homegrown product, out of Silver Spring, Maryland should adjust quickly to nearby College Park. The fact that fellow Good Counsel star and friend Wes Brown will be attending Maryland should only accelerate the transition. Though just a freshman, here are five reasons why Diggs will make a name for himself in 2012.

Size and Speed

Diggs at Good Counsel (MD.)

Stefon Diggs’ measurables set him apart from many recruits in the incoming freshman class of 2012. Not only did he put up gaudy high school numbers, but he has a 6’1", 190 lbs frame that lends itself to success in college (others list Diggs at 6’0", 185). One cannot help compare Diggs to Clemson’s freshman phenom in 2011, Sammy Watkins (6’1", 185lbs). Though Watkins (4.4 second 40 yard dash) is a bit faster than Diggs (4.45), Diggs still has exceptional speed.

Return Threat

The University of Maryland band will warm-up the crowd before games in 2012.
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While it is unlikely that Diggs will appear on the return team frequently as a freshman due to the possibility of injury, the five-star recruit is a threat to any opposing punter or kicker. With his combination of speed, strength, and agility, Diggs has a knack for big plays. In 2011, he returned both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown as a high school senior.

A Diverse Skillset: The Renaissance Man

Terps' Coach Randy Edsall will make use of Stefon Diggs in 2012.
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The concern for any freshman is playing time. Even though Diggs is a standout recruit, the fact is that high school numbers do not always translate to the college level.

Nevertheless, there are a variety of capacities in which head coach Randy Edsall can use Diggs. As a high school star for the Good Counsel Falcons, he demonstrated an ability to return kicks, take hands-offs, catch balls, and play cornerback. In 2011, he carried the football 17 times for 277 yards (16.29 yards per carry).

With such an arsenal of weapons, the Terps will definitely come up with ways to use Diggs in 2012--whether it be carrying, catching, or intercepting the ball.

A Nose for the Ball

Terps' Fans, Testudo included, have high expectations for freshman Stefon Diggs.
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In addition to Diggs’ numbers, he clearly has a nose for the ball and an understanding for the game. He excelled at Good Counsel for each of the past four years.

Even as a shutdown cornerback in 2011, he intercepted four passes. This nose for the ball contributes to Digg’s big-play capabilities.

Star Power

Diggs after committing to attend the University of Maryland.

Twitter, ESPN, and Rivals all closely documented Diggs' recruiting process. With Diggs comes anticipation and energy. As a Good Counsel Falcon, he contributed to the birth of an unquestioned championship team. During his early high school years, the team continuously battled with DeMatha Catholic.

However, before leaving, Diggs left no question as to who was the WCAC conference champion in 2011, as he helped Good Counsel defeat the DeMatha Stags in dominant fashion (GC also won in 2009 and 2010).

Edsall and company hope that Diggs and teammate Wes Brown can contribute to the same rise at Maryland. Stefon Diggs has thrived in the spotlight and he will have the opportunity to continue to do so at the University of Maryland.