Like many football players, Maryland running back Jake Funk dreamed of the moment from a very young age. On Saturday, his dream became a reality when he got the call from the Los Angeles Rams.
The Damascus alum was selected in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was the 223rd overall pick.
Funk had gathered with family and friends Saturday at his home in Damascus, expecting and hoping the call would come. The large gathering erupted when the call came around 6 pm.
The Call. Congratulations, @jakefunk34.#NFLDraft | #TBIA pic.twitter.com/oajicRQ2XA
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) May 1, 2021
The Gaithersburg native had a breakout year in 2021, leading the Big Ten Conference in yards per carry (8.6) and ranked second in rushing yards per game (129.0). Funk had spent his previous years at Maryland backing up four running backs who ended up in the NFL and battling back from two ACL surgeries.
During Maryland’s Pro Day on March 10, the 5’10”, 205 pounder impressed with numbers considered very good for a running back: he ran a 4.43 in the 40 yard dash, bench pressed 225 pounds 22 times, had a broad jump of 122 inches (10 feet, 2 inches) and a vertical leap of 38 inches (3 feet, 2 inches).
With the Rams, Funk is expected to battle for a back-up role as a running back and special teams player.
Last September, Funk was a guest on an episode of the MoCo’s Most Famous podcast.
MoCo’s Most Famous: Maryland Running Back and Damascus Alum Jake Funk
Six years ago, Funk was a record-setting star running back at Damascus High School. Here’s a look back at a story MyMCM did on Funk in 2015.
https://www.mymcmedia.org/meet-damascus-star-running-back-jake-funk-video/
