Maryland among schools most consistent with local '25 running back
- Ahmed Ghafir
- Oct 5, 2023
- 2 min read
DeMatha (MD) is shifting attention to WCAC play with a matchup against Gonzaga set for Friday night. 2025 three-star running back Bud Coombs has helped take the pressure off quarterback Denzel Gardner through the fall, where the 5-foot-10, 191-pound shifty athlete has been a factor for the Stags in all facets.
“Just go hard every day. Sprints, pass blocking. Going 110% every sprint, every down,” Coombs told IBG. It isn’t just football that he takes seriously as the Stags’ star outfielder is looking to continue his baseball career in college. “I take that very seriously as well.”
Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Michigan, Ole Miss, Penn State, Virginia Tech, USC and Wisconsin are among the schools that’ve jumped into the mix with offers so far, while a handful have already given Coombs the green light to play both sports.
“Some of them have but I’m going to play football no matter what. That’s what I love,” Coombs added.
Maryland is among the schools who’ve told Coombs he can be a two-sport athlete in College Park as head coach Matt Swope made his way to his old stomping grounds to watch the three-star running back kick off the season. “That’s my guy, I love coach Swope,” Coombs added. “It feels like home whenever I talk to him. It feels like I connect with him.”
Tight ends coach Kevin Sumlin is leading on the football side as the two sides have been able to build a close relationship.
“That’s my guy. We always talk every week. Get on the phone, chop it up, see how we’re doing and stuff.”
Coombs made his way to College Park for the week two win over Charlotte and got a chance to watch the offense closer.
“They were down in the first half but came back and won. I love how they use the running backs. They’re used in the passing game, but they still run well with them. They’ve talked to me and said I can do the same thing.”
Coombs said Maryland, Michigan, USC, Virginia Tech and North Carolina are the schools most consistent early while he has the Terps in his top group early.
“Definitely top three. I love them. They show a lot of love.”
Coombs also made his way to Madison to watch Wisconsin under first-year head coach Luke Fickell this season, but with WCAC play beginning, recruiting will take a backseat with aspirations of winning a conference title.
“I don’t plan on going anywhere, especially with league play coming up. Probably after the season. I’m so focused on getting the ring but definitely after the season.”
Bud Coombs is rated a three-star prospect and an 89 overall by On3, sitting as the eighth-best prospect in Maryland and 266th-best nationally.
