Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Granted, it hasn’t been against the best competition, but Stefon Diggs is off to a great start for the Maryland Terrapins.
The sophomore wide receiver has shown the explosiveness that Terps fans saw flashes of as a true freshman in 2012, but this year, he has a quarterback that can get him the ball consistently.
Through two games, Diggs and senior quarterback C.J. Brown have hooked up 11 times for 277 yards and two scores. On Saturday, the two combined to torch Old Dominion for 179 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown.
On that play, Diggs caught a wide receiver screen, set up his blocks, accelerated down the sideline and somersaulted into the end zone for the score. He also showed a bit of strength, warding off an oncoming defender with a strong stiff arm before getting to the end zone.
Earlier, Diggs made a spectacular leaping catch down the middle of the field, setting up a five-yard rushing touchdown for Brown. To this point, Diggs hasn’t made a mark on special teams, but that could change as the Terrapins get into the ACC portion of their schedule. Last year, Diggs was one of the best weapons in the country in the return game.
Next up for the Terrapins is a trip to Connecticut, a team that has struggled out of the gate in 2013. Diggs should once again find space and make plays against an underwhelming Huskies defense.
There is a lot of season left, but Diggs is looking like one of the best all-around players in the ACC, and could prove to be the best wide receiver in the conference. The competition will certainly get better, but with Brown’s ability to get the ball in Diggs’ hands, expect his production to remain consistent throughout the season.
B.L. is an ACC football writer for Rant Sports and can be followed on Twitter @coachlip or on Google.
