Jake Funk had a roller coaster career at the college level. He was always an explosive running back in College Park, but he endured a number of injuries that could’ve completely derailed his pursuit of a career in the NFL.

Some might have lost faith in Funk’s ability to chase his dream to play professional football after a few setbacks, but head coach Mike Locksley always believed in the running back. And Funk is incredibly thankful for that.

Funk recently joined NFL Network’s Good Morning Football to talk about his future in football. He made it clear that, without Locksley’s belief and support, he wouldn’t have the opportunity in front of him.

“Coach Locks has been one of those guys that has really believed in me since I was a 17-year old kid,” Funk said on Good Morning Football. “I was a two-star recruit, didn’t get a lot of love from a lot of the bigger schools coming out of high school. Coach Locksley was a guy who offered me to play running back at the University of Maryland. And then, when he came back and was our head coach my junior year, he was somebody who believed in me and gave me an opportunity.

“He gave me a shot even after two ACLs. He gave me the keys to his program to let me lead and helped me get to where I am today. And I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for his belief in me.”

Funk had a productive year during the 2020 season, rushing for 516 yards and 3 touchdowns on 60 carries and also catching 10 passes for 68 yards and a score. It was statistically his best season in five years with the Terrapins.

During the course of his five-year career at Maryland, Funk totaled 968 yards on the ground and 134 receiving yards on 158 touches. He also scored 13 touchdowns.