Impact Of A Scholarship: Brian Plummer

Family is everything to former Maryland football player Brian Plummer. 

That goes for his immediate family and the Maryland football family. 

Plummer’s scholarship to the University of Maryland to play football allowed him to develop more than just in a fun atmosphere; it also helped create a perspective that changed his life forever.

“The University shaped my way of life in almost every way, in and outside of football,” he said. “That’s what my scholarship allowed me to do. It gave me so much.”

Maryland gave Plummer everything he could have ever wanted, whether it was something as big as running out of the tunnel at FedEx Field against the Texas Longhorns or something seemingly as small as just going to class. 

Growing up a Terps fan, Plummer’s dream since childhood was to play football in College Park. 

Born and raised in Carroll County, Maryland, football was the signature community event in the fall. Plummer’s team was among the best in the areas. It was because of this that Plummer became one of the most coveted recruits in the state.

Plummer was an anchor for the line that blocked for what would be the county’s all-time single-season rushing record in 2014. Plummer was also one of the biggest reasons his team, South Carroll, secured a 10-2 record and a berth in the 2015 2A West Regional Finals. 

While Plummer’s had ties to plenty of football families, his strongest ties belong to his immediate one.

Being the oldest of three, family is everything to him. His family is his biggest supporter throughout every sport he ever played. Earning a football scholarship meant a lot to his family and helped his younger siblings attend college, as well. 

Plummer played all four years in College Park and emphasized how much it meant to him to be on scholarship. 

“I loved everything about being on scholarship,” he said. “The ability to play football for the school you love is enough, but also the Under Armour gear, the food, and materials they’d give you, and maybe most importantly all of my teammates and the support staff.”

Being a student-athlete means there are amazing memories to remember. Whether it’s big games, long travel days, or just down days where you get to relax, but Plummer just loved the sense of community.

“Being in the locker room with the guys was my most fond memory,” Plummer said. “Just being around everyone walking to and from class, pre-and post-game. Everyone felt like a big family.”

Being a Maryland student-athlete helped him develop life-long friendships and also great networking opportunities. Plummer is currently working with Arena Technical Resources as an Account Manager (ATR) in Rockville, Maryland. 

ATR is a software development company that offers cutting-edge legacy systems and is one of the emergers in technical expertise. 

ATR's CEO, Ralph Lary, is a fellow former Maryland football player who played defensive back in the late ’70s, making the job even more special for Plummer. Lary is also on the board of directors of the M Club, which Plummer hopes to, as well, someday. 

With community being a big part of Plummer’s love of Maryland, it meant a lot to work for a man who is not just an alumnus but one still actively involved in every aspect of Maryland athletics.

“It’s an honor to work here,” Plummer said. “Just like with Maryland football there’s a real sense of family and I’m drawn to that. The Maryland connections are just a bonus.”

To this day, Plummer remains close to Maryland. Born and raised in the state, he has decided to stay close by while starting his career. He is grateful for the atmosphere cultivated by others, which is responsible for much of what he has been able to do in his life.

“I am extremely thankful for the amazing opportunity to play football here,” Plummer said. “I am very thankful to the fans, every single worker, all the staff, and all the players I got to meet.” 

Plummer felt at home being in College Park. His love and dedication for football helped form a lifelong love of giving back to the University. 

After reflecting on how much Maryland helped him in and outside of football, he wants to do the same for someone else. 

Being a Maryland football fan his entire life, one of Plummer’s goals is to become an alumnus who gives back to a student-athlete. He wants someone else to experience the amazing impact his scholarship had on him. 

“Seeing how much it changed my life and knowing that I can help someone shape their life,” Plummer said. “It would be the absolute greatest feeling in the world, to give back to another student-athlete like that.”