Darryl Hill: Maryland’s First Face of Social Justice

Darryl Hill became the first Black student-athlete to play football in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and south of the Mason-Dixon Line when he joined the University of Maryland's team in 1962. Hill's recruitment was spearheaded by Maryland assistant coach Lee Corso, who convinced Hill to transfer from the U.S. Naval Academy despite Hill's initial reluctance to trailblaze. Hill's impact was immediate and significant; he set school and conference records in his first eligible season, including Maryland's single-game reception record and the ACC's season record for touchdown catches.

Hill's tenure at Maryland was challenging. He faced racial hostility, especially during away games in the Deep South, and relied on the support of teammates like Jerry Fishman, who shared similar experiences of being marginalized. Fishman and Hill, both outsiders in the predominantly white environment, formed a close bond that helped Hill navigate the challenges.

Hill's presence at Maryland had broader implications for integration in college sports, influencing other