A recurring series where we will profile every player on Maryland's roster, counting down to kick-off against William & Mary on September 1. Thanks to OBNUG for the idea.
Today we profile a receiver who played last year as a true freshman.
Marcus Leak, Sophomore, Wide Receiver, #82
via grfx.cstv.com
Stats:
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 205
Major: Letters and Sciences
Twitter: @markymarc_704
Collegiate Stats: 12 receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown
High School Stats (Senior Year): 200 yards receiving and one touchdown, 305 yards rushing and two touchdowns, 30 tackles
Recruiting Ratings: Three stars by Rivals (#24 in Nc., #85 WR), Scout (#102 WR), three stars by 24/7, ESPN (#42 WR)
High School: Parkwood
Hometown: Charlotte, Nc.
High School Highlights:
How'd He Get to College Park?
Marcus Leak and fellow Class of '11 player Nigel King were two of the best wide receivers in North Carolina two years ago. Maryland was Leak’s first offer, and he committed in April of 2010, coming to College Park thanks to the recruiting efforts of wide receivers coach Lee Hull. Leak also received interest from Florida, Clemson and UNC, among others.
It doesn’t seem like any other schools offered him a scholarship, and Leak stayed loyal to the school that found him first. During his senior year, he was one of 22 players on Parkwood to suffer serious injuries, as the team struggled to a 1-10 finish. He finished the season with just over 500 yards of total offense with three touchdowns even with a high ankle sprain that caused him to miss four games.
Last year, Leak played in seven games as a true freshman, starting in two and catching 12 passes for 85 yards, including a touchdown reception against Florida State while filling in for Kevin Dorsey. In that game, Leak became the first true freshman to start a game at wide receiver for Maryland since Danny Oquendo in 2005.
Nickname:
Marcus "Take A" Leak
Career Highlight:
The touchdown catch against Florida State.
Career Lowlight:
N/A.
Dream Season:
Leak holds off King and Cheeseboro for the starting spot, hauling in at least three touchdown grabs.
Nightmare Season:
Leak loses out, and sees limited playing time.
2012 Prospectus:
This is the last we'll talk extensively about the battle at WR-Z, I promise. Leak is in a three-way battle with King and Cheeseboro, and since we've already talked at length about the different skills each of those guys bring to the table, we're just going to focus on why Leak could win the job.
The biggest thing he has going for him over the other candidates is his experience. He's the only one of the three with any collegiate time at linebacker (Cheeseboro played some on special teams), and that is what truly sets him apart from the others.
Beyond the experience, Leak is still a good wide receiver. He's got great hands and is fairly quick, and could fit in well as a possession receiver, maybe at the slot position.
Up Next:
Our next player went to a high school named after a fertilizer magnate.
Dirty_Terps is tied for third.
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Maryland1206 - 9
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