Maryland was born and reared in Chicago, Illinois, where he played high school football at Whitney Young High School. He was not highly recruited and the only major college program to offer him a scholarship was the University of Miami
In 1989 he was named third team All-American. As a senior in 1990, he registered 96 tackles and 10½ quarterback sacks for the Hurricanes. He was named All-American, College Football Lineman of the Year by the UPI and became the first Hurricane player ever to receive the Outland Trophy for the best lineman in college.[1]
Maryland finished his college career with 279 tackles, 25 tackles for losses and 20.5 quarterback sacks, while helping his team win two national championships, four bowl games, a perfect home record and a 44-4 overall record.
Prior to his graduation from Miami, Russell was inducted into the Iron Arrow Honor Society, the highest honor bestowed by the university.[2]
Maryland was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and to the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.
Maryland started as a rookie defensive tackle and from the beginning showed the relentless motor and effort that he would be known for. He was specially stout against the run and helped the team win three Super Bowls. In 1993 he was named to his only Pro Bowl.
