Maryland Football: The future is bright for Jake Funk

Maryland has made it a point to target the running back position very heavily since the arrival of D.J. Durkin.

Despite the abundance at the position, Jake Funk could have a very bright future.

Funk was a three-star tailback out of nearby Damascus (Md.) and enjoyed a decorated high school career. He was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Maryland.

As a senior, Funk led Damascus to a 14-0 regular season and the Maryland 3A State Championship. In the state title game, he rushed for a record seven touchdowns and a mind-numbing 270 yards on the ground.

Funk’s recruitment was a little strange because he committed to the Terrapins during a time of uncertainty for the program. He announced his intentions to come to College Park on October 16, which was after the firing of Randy Edsall.

Former offensive coordinator Mike Locksley was at the helm during the time of Funk’s pledge.

Funk put together a phenomenal high school career during his time at Damascus. He shattered records and made things look effortless at times.

If you watch film of Funk, it’s evident that he is a very patient runner. When a hole opens up, he possesses the necessary speed to blast right through it and it’s off to the races.

Funk may be undersized, but he can find paydirt running inside and outside the hash marks.

The talent is certainly there for Funk. In fact, Durkin praised Funk in the spring as a guy who can “help us for sure.”

Funk, who enrolled in January, received the most carries (15) during the Red-White Spring Game in April. While he only totaled 46 rushing yards, the touches were a statement of just how much the coaching staff believes in the former Gatorade Player of the Year.

The biggest issue for Funk is going to be making a name for himself in a crowded backfield in 2016.

The Terps already have Wes Brown, Virginia Tech graduate transfer Trey Edmunds, and Ty Johnson as proven contributors. The three will be battling it out for playing time, but new offensive coordinator Walt Bell has a history of using several different running backs in his attack.

Funk was also rated lower than fellow 2016 running back signees Lorenzo Harrison and Laderrien Wilson.

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It’s certainly going to be a stretch for Funk to be an impact player this fall. However, if he can stay in the coaching staff’s good graces, Funk could end up being a steal down the road.