Maryland Football Exposed Fake Coach, Scamming Recruits for Just 30 Dollars

Maryland football has recently faced a troubling situation that highlights a growing problem in college sports recruiting. A fake coach impersonating a Maryland staff member has been scamming top high school recruits by promising scholarship offers in exchange for a small payment of just $30. This scam has fooled several promising athletes and caused the university to issue a public warning to protect future recruits. This post explores the details of the scam, how it unfolded, and what recruits and their families should watch out for.

Fake coach scam targets Maryland football recruits

How the Scam Worked

The scam involved an individual using a fake profile on X (formerly Twitter) under the name "Andrew Green" with the handle @coachDREWgreen. This profile claimed to be Maryland’s director of player personnel, a role that does not exist within the official Maryland football staff. The impersonator reached out to high school athletes, promising them official scholarship offers from Maryland.

To make the scam seem more believable, the fake coach requested a payment of $30 through popular payment apps. This small amount was presented as a fee to "secure" the athlete’s spot on the team. The modest sum made the request seem harmless to both the recruits and their families, lowering their guard.

Several standout prospects, including Rahem Lipford from Roanoke Catholic, David "D1" Robinson Jr., and Pete Carter, publicly celebrated their supposed Maryland offers on social media. They tagged the fake account in their posts, unknowingly helping the scammer gain credibility.

Maryland Football’s Official Recruiting Staff

Maryland’s real recruiting team is led by General Manager of Player Personnel Merci Falaise and Coordinator Marcus Thomas. Other key members include Tommy Paolucci, who handles recruiting operations, as well as staff responsible for on-campus visits and scouting. None of these individuals use the name Andrew Green or the handle @coachDREWgreen.

Only authorized coaches and designated personnel from this official group have the authority to extend legitimate scholarship offers. The university quickly clarified this to prevent further confusion and protect recruits from falling victim to the scam.

The Impact on Recruits and Families

The scam’s impact goes beyond just the financial loss of $30. For many high school athletes, receiving a scholarship offer is a dream come true and a critical step toward their future careers. Being deceived by a fake coach can cause emotional distress, damage trust in the recruiting process, and potentially harm their chances of securing real offers.

Victims shared screenshots showing the fake coach requesting payment and making false promises. These examples serve as warnings to other recruits to be cautious and verify any offers directly with official university contacts.

How Maryland Responded

Maryland’s social media team acted swiftly after the scam came to light. They issued a public warning stating that the user @coachDREWgreen has no affiliation with the Maryland football program. The university urged recruits and their families to block and report the fake account to prevent further deception.

This incident adds to a growing list of scams targeting college athletes on social media platforms. Fake accounts impersonating coaches or recruiters have become a widespread problem, exploiting the hopes and ambitions of young athletes.

Tips for Recruits to Avoid Scams

To protect themselves from similar scams, high school athletes and their families should keep these tips in mind:

• Verify all offers by contacting the official recruiting staff listed on the university’s website.

• Be wary of payment requests, especially if the amount is small but unexpected.

• Check the legitimacy of social media profiles by looking for verified accounts or official university links.

• Avoid sharing personal or financial information with anyone who is not officially connected to the program.

• Report suspicious accounts immediately to the university and the social media platform.

  
  

The Bigger Picture: Scams in College Recruiting

This Maryland incident is part of a larger trend where scammers exploit social media to impersonate coaches and recruiters. These scams prey on the excitement and vulnerability of young athletes eager to secure scholarships. The use of small payment requests makes the scams seem less threatening but can still cause harm.

Universities and athletic programs must continue to educate recruits about these dangers and maintain clear communication channels. Meanwhile, athletes and families should stay vigilant and always confirm offers through official sources.