SMU tight end RJ Maryland, son of a Cowboys legend, eyes the NFL Draft. Can he join another storied family connection in Dallas?
FRISCO - Like father, like son?
SMU tight end RJ Maryland recently announced his decision to enter this NFL Draft and there is an obvious and logical connection to the Dallas Cowboys.
Maryland spent all four seasons with the Mustangs and his connection to Dallas started long before college. He starred in high school at nearby Southlake and his father, Russell Maryland, is a Cowboys legend.
Russell was actually the No. 1 overall pick in the 1991 NFL Draft by Dallas and was a centerpiece member of all three Super Bowl champion teams in the '90s. While RJ won't be off the board that early, he has a strong chance to follow his father into the league later in the draft.
Across his four years at SMU, Maryland totaled close to 1,500 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. This mark set the program record for touchdowns by a Mustang tight end.
However, a devastating ACL injury sent him off the field his junior year and potentially delayed his entry into the draft.
Following the injury, Maryland battled back and completed his senior season with around 325 yards and two of his aforementioned touchdowns.
Despite the lower production and injury history, Maryland has been eyed as an NFL prospect since he began his college career. He stands at 6-4 and weighs in at 240 and has showcased a natural athleticism that some think can translate to the pros.
Outside of his physical skillset, he served as a leader for an SMU squad that brought the program back to national relevancy. Maryland was a member of two teams that made trips to a conference title game, once in the American and once in the ACC. The latter group of Mustangs also made the program debut in the College Football Playoff.
The Cowboys recently visited with Texas A&M running back EJ Smith, Emmitt's son. And you'll recall a couple of years ago the drafting of running back Deuce Vaughn, who's father works in the Dallas scouting department.
So ... another family reunion here?
Combined all the factors together, Maryland looks primed to hear his name called on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. He offers a natural athletic edge and has experience on the field that many other prospects in today's era lack.
The injury concerns are sure to be real for some interested teams, but snagging him in a late-round selection could alleviate these worries. ... even though Dallas has talked of avoiding the selection of "redshirt'' (injury-issue) players.
It is shaping up to an interesting draft night for Maryland, as he looks to follow in his father's footsteps as he makes a journey toward the NFL. ... and maybe toward "home.''