“North Shore is basically a college program, and that’s exactly what I wanted when I came here,” Maryland said. “When I first got here, it was a culture shock. Not everyone is cut out to play here, but it’s going to help me so much in the long run.
“The offseason is where we win. Coach (Willie) Gaston has helped me so much at the QB position—working the pocket, going through my progressions quickly. It’s about being ready.”
Now QB1 heading into next season, Maryland hopes to carry the torch and lead the Mustangs back to State.
“We know what everyone is saying about us on the outside,” he said. “People think North Shore is going to be down, but we just keep our heads down and go to work to prove everyone wrong. The standard is the standard here.”
Maryland still remembers the sting of last year’s loss to Westlake in the State Semis.
“We were devastated,” he said. “I was bawling for like 15 minutes in the locker room, just knowing I wouldn’t be playing with all of those seniors again. It was also a realization that I was the next man up. It would be my team the next year.”
Despite having limited varsity reps, Maryland has already caught the eye of college recruiters. He holds nine offers from programs like Utah, UTSA, UTEP, UNLV, Washington State, and Southern Miss, among others.
“What’s really important to me is coaching stability,” he said. “I want to go somewhere that I know the staff who recruited me will still be there.”
While honing his QB skills this offseason, Maryland is also turning heads on the track. He’s running relays and the 100 meters, looking to improve on his impressive 10.48 time.
“Running track is so important,” he said. “It’s helping me with my speed, but I’m also watching a lot of film and working on my velocity this spring. I’ve always looked up to Tom Brady and Drew Brees for their work ethic. I want to be like them—just 10 times faster. Could you imagine that?”
Off the field, Maryland keeps busy in the studio—his podcast studio. His show, “Keeping it PC,” is a project he’s developed with his dad.
“I love doing it, and I’ve had some pretty good guests so far,” he laughed. “I see myself continuing it in college. I like hearing other athletes’ perspectives.”
And when he’s not working out, watching film, or podcasting? Maryland is exploring his foodie side.
“I’m a foodie,” he grinned. “I love fine food. Of course, I like places like Chipotle, but my favorites are Fuji Ramen and 528 Asian Bistro.”
For the North Shore faithful, there’s hope that Maryland’s appetite carries over to the football field this fall. Because if he’s ready to eat, so are the Mustangs.
