Maryland Star Off To Streaking Start

Ambrose Wooden is undoubtedly one of the top three players in Maryland this year, and that’s saying a lot with the talent in the state. While a lot of schools in the region are involved, including Virginia Tech and Maryland, don’t be surprised if Wooden gives some Pac 10 schools a hard look.

“I’ve said before that distance really isn’t an issue for me,” Wooden said. “I’m going to choose the school that is the best fit, athletically and academically for me. It’s going to be a school that helps me excel on the field, and a place where I can develop into the best player I can be.”

At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Wooden possesses ideal size for a defensive back, especially a safety. His speed may be his greatest asset as he runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds flat. At this moment, Wooden has a list of what he calls, the "seven schools I’m looking at the hardest."

“The schools getting the most consideration would have to be Southern Cal, UCLA, Maryland, Stanford, Notre Dame, Penn State, and Virginia Tech. They’re all really good football programs and they all play against really good competition and offer a national stage. Also, if you look at each of them, they all have at least solid academic programs. I have my first official visit set for Notre Dame on Dec.6 and I'll set up the rest soon.”

Wooden’s Baltimore (Md.) Gilman squad got off to an excellent start this year, by defeating perennial power DeMatha Catholic in a defensive battle.

“I think the score was 12-3,” Wooden said. “Our defense really shut them down, and we stepped up when our backs were against the wall. I had about 150 total yards, passing and rushing on offense. Even though we only scored 12, that’s pretty good considering the competition. If we keep playing like this, we could be the top team in the state.”

In his next game, a 41-6 drubbing of Urbana, Wooden rushed for 199 yards.