Oquendo chose Maryland over his in-state school Rutgers, a similarly sized, big state school. Even though this was before the Terps and Scarlet Knights’ Big Ten rivalry, Oquendo’s out-of-state allegiance marked a Maryland recruitment success.
“I was taken away by how beautiful Maryland was and I knew it was a place that I wanted to be.”
The alumnus immediately made his presence known in UMD Athletics, being one of only four true freshmen to see action in every football game during the 2005 season. In addition, in his first track meet, Oquendo ran a 7.62 in the 55-meter hurdles, the fourth-best time in school history.
Oquendo eventually became the football team’s top punt returner, notching 445 career return yards and 61 punt returns, a respective eighth and fifth in school history at the time. Despite a knee injury as a junior, Oquendo came back swinging during his senior season, finishing his college career with 85 receptions and even throwing for a 43-yard touchdown during a trick play against Eastern Michigan.
Described as “fast and tough, with good hands,”—qualities of a good wide receiver—Oquendo was a natural leader for future Maryland stars such as WR Torrey Smith.
“Doing multiple sports, seeing the day-to-day for two different kinds of athletes was a great experience,” said Oquendo. “Maryland really puts the student-athletes in a great position to be successful for school, with all the study hall and training facilities.”
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