Last spring was an agonizing time for Russell Maryland.
The University of Miami defensive tackle had graduated with a degree in psychology and was trying to decide whether to turn pro by joining the supplemental draft or return to the Hurricanes for a fifth year.With some urging from coach Dennis Erickson, he decided he had something more to prove in college and came back for his fifth year. Apparently, he made the right move, and Wednesday he was named Lineman of the Year by United Press International.
"You have to look at it as a great accomplishment, as kind of a payoff for all the work and everything I've put into it last five years, " Maryland said. "It's a great honor."
It was his second postseason award. Last week in Los Angeles, the 6-foot-2, 273-pounder from Chicago won the Outland Trophy as the nation's top lineman.
A master of moves on the defensive line, Maryland enjoyed a spectacular final. He finished with 96 tackles, 10 1/2 sacks and 19 quarterback hurries.
His finest game may have come in a 29-20 loss to Notre Dame in which he rolled up 20 tackles and a sack to only four tackles for Irish nose tackle Chris Zorich, winner of the Lombardi Trophy for defensive players.
"That was one of my best," Maryland said. "Every time we go and play in South Bend I seem to do well. In the 1988 season, the first season I started, I had a good game. My parents were there, along with lot of people I knew. This year I had made up my mind to equal or top that performance and I got all those tackles and made good plays."
"Russell is a blessing," said Shane Curry, the other starting tackle and Maryland's roommate.
Maryland graduated on schedule in four years and is working on a master's degree in psychology with an eye toward a Ph.D when he finishes playing professionally.
"This season I wanted to impress," he said. "And graduate courses - they aren't at all easy. It added extra pressure on me."