Maddock was born in East Jordan, Michigan and began his collegiate career at Albion College. In 1901, the 24-year-old Maddock played for Albion football coach Chester Brewer who taught him the "Wisconsin style of tackle play." Maddock was so effective against the University of Michigan in 1901 that Coach Fielding H. Yost enticed him to transfer to Michigan. He became a star for Yost's "Point-a-Minute" teams in 1902 and 1903. Maddock was selected as a first-team All-Western player in both 1902 and 1903. He was a unanimous All-Western pick in 1903.