Nearly two years to the day later, Craddock found himself in a similar position against Maryland’s newest conference rival, Penn State, before more than 100,000 fans at Beaver Stadium.

 

This time Craddock’s 43-yard attempt sailed through the uprights, cementing Maryland’s place in the Big Ten Conference with its first marquee victory and guaranteeing bowl eligibility for the Terps.

 

“Kicking is one of those things that makes you humble,” said Craddock to the media following the game. “You just need to be right on the day and push through.”

 

Craddock’s humility allowed him to have many “right” days during the 2014 Maryland football season, as he hit 18-of-19 field goal attempts en route to claiming the prestigious Lou Groza Award, given annually to the nation’s most outstanding kicker.

 

The junior was the first Maryland football player to win a national award since 2002, when E.J. Henderson claimed the Chuck Bednarik Award and Butkus Award.

 

Craddock was more than deserving of the honor, hitting 11 field goals from 40-plus yards and a school-record 57-yard field goal against eventual national champion Ohio State. He also set a program record and tied a Big Ten record by knocking down 24 consecutive field goals.

 

“It’s great to see how Brad put all those things behind him and put it upon himself to work harder and find ways to get better,” said head coach Randy Edsall. “Brad is a role model for everyone our team.”

 

Craddock’s early struggles seem a distant memory as he prepares to return to Maryland for his senior season in 2015 with the opportunity to defend his Lou Groza Award.

 

Regardless of the results of the upcoming season, however, it is evident Craddock has etched his place into the pantheon of all-time Maryland greats.