Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay. 

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans. 

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Player Information

Player: RJ Maryland

School: SMU

Height/Weight: 6-4/237 lbs.

Player Background

– 4-Star Recruit

– Ran Track in High School

– All-AAC First-Team in 2023

– All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2024

Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season

– 86 Receptions

– 1,173 Receiving Yards

– 13.6 Yards Per Reception

– 17 Touchdowns

Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season 

– 67.6 PFF Receiving Grade

– 70.2 PFF Blocking Grade

– 5.2 Yards Per Reception After Contact

– 1.67 Yards Per Route Run

– Average Depth of Target of 10.2 Yards

– 13 Contested Catches

Player Traits

– Moves well with and without the ball in his hands

– Microwave ability as a runner to pickup speed quickly

– Absorbs contact as a runner

– Strength to become a better blocker

– Fluid hips and good footwork as a receiver and blocker

Player Summary

Last October, RJ Maryland went down with a knee injury that made him miss the rest of the season, including the Mustangs’ playoff appearance. When he was available for SMU, he proved to be one of their better offensive weapons. Regarding tight ends, Maryland has shown he can be used in various ways. In the backfield, out wide, or in-line, he finds success in all those areas with all the tasks that come with those alignments. Regarding his receiving skills, he could have some more speed to his game, but he moves well for his size. He can also showcase an ability to pick up extra yards through contact that makes up for the lack of speed. All in all, Maryland isn’t the flashiest of tight end prospects, and coming off a knee injury isn’t ideal, but 2025 has a chance to be a building block for his prospects.