Published on: Thursday, November 08, 2012

By Brandy L. Simms

COLLEGE PARK – Those closest to Stefon Diggs say they aren’t the least bit surprised at how the Maryland freshman wide receiver has come along in his first season on the college gridiron.

Diggs, a Good Counsel product, scored both of Maryland’s touchdowns in Saturday’s 33-13 loss to Georgia Tech at Byrd Stadium. 

Late in the third quarter, Diggs caught a 16-yard pass from freshman quarterback Shawn Petty to cut the deficit to 27-7. Diggs later scored on the game’s final play when he outwrestled a Georgia Tech defender in the end zone for a 23-yard catch and his sixth touchdown reception of the 2012 campaign.

“It’s not surprising to me,” said running back Wes Brown, a former Good Counsel teammate of Diggs and fellow Maryland freshman. “It’s got to be a surprise to everyone else because I’m used to it and so I’m just waiting for him to do it.”

Diggs, a Gaithersburg native, finished with 220 all-purpose yards including 133 yards on kickoff returns. He also caught five passes for 55 yards.

The former Montgomery Village Sports Association youth league standout became the Atlantic Coast Conference’s all-time freshman leader for all-purpose yardage. 

Diggs surpassed Darrius Heyward-Bey for touchdown receptions by a Maryland freshman and also became the school’s all-time leader in receiving yards by a freshman.

“He’s a playmaker,” said Maryland freshman running back Brandon Ross, “and playmakers make plays.”

The game featured four Good Counsel graduates amongst the two teams. Diggs, Brown and offensive lineman Mike Madaras – all freshmen – were in the starting lineup for Maryland. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech junior cornerback Louis Young started for the Yellow Jackets. 

Brown and Diggs said it was odd seeing a former high school teammate on the opposite side but they were glad to see a familiar face.

“Me and Louis didn’t say too many words until after the game,” said Diggs, who has earned weekly ACC honors four times including a three-time winner of the Rookie of the Week award. “Not too many words were said. We talked a little bit after the game. He’s still one of my big bros I look up to so he’s doing a great job on that side of the field.”