Maryland running back Jake Funk was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft on Saturday.
This is the third straight year where a Maryland running back was selected in the draft. Anthony McFarland was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, while Ty Johnson was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2019.
Funk, the 233rd overall pick, played five seasons with Maryland where he dealt with two ACL tears and a broken hand. Funk played a total of 35 games, recording 968 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
The former Damascus High School star had a solid senior season, rushing for 516 yards and four touchdowns in four games. Funk, who was named Third Team All-Big Ten, was second in the FBS in yards per carry (8.60) while ranking second in the Big Ten and eighth nationally in yards per game (129.0).
After the shortened 2020 season, Funk went to Florida to train for two months. Funk would spend six days a week doing agility work and football specific drills.
In March, Funk participated in Maryland’s Pro Day where he ran a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash and recorded a 38-inch vertical jump.
Funk’s teammate and linebacker Shaq Smith signed with the New Orleans Saints as a undrafted free agents. Former Maryland and DeMatha High School wide receiver D.J. Turner signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Turner spent last season playing wide receiver at the University of Pittsburgh.
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