Football Practice Report -- August 22, 2001
8/22/2001 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 22, 2001
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
University of Maryland closed out its two-a-day schedule on Wednesday, working out in half pads in early morning and late afternoon practice sessions.
The highlight of the day was the return to campus of senior wide receiver Guilian Gary, who observed the afternoon practice from the sideline in his No. 21 practice jersey after being released from a Baltimore hospital earlier in the day. Gary, the Terps' top receiver the past two seasons, suffered a neck sprain during Tuesday afternoon's practice session and had to be airlifted to the R. Adams Crowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore. X-rays, CAT scan and MRI taken Tuesday night were normal, and all feeling had returned by Wednesday morning.
Said head coach Ralph Friedgen Wednesday night: "Guilian obviously was frightened, and I told him I was frightened, too. I think he wants to come back. He stressed to me the desire to practice Saturday, I don't know if that will happen, but I'm glad he had that attitude. I think he got a stinger. He's going to get another MRI [Friday] to see if anything pops up late. If nothing does, then as soon as he gets his strength back and they clear him, I think he'll be back."
Said head trainer Sandy Worth: "Guilian will follow up with [head team physician] Dr. [Leigh Ann] Curl later this week and, after some rest, will begin rehabilitation. He still has some soreness in his neck and limited motion. Until that subsides, he will not be permitted to resume his participation in practice."
In Wednesday morning's practice, backup offensive guard Ed Tyler broke his right hand. Friedgen said a cast will be put on as soon as the swelling goes down, and that Tyler should be out a few days.
OTHER FRIEDGEN POST-PRACTICE COMMENTS:
On the running backs:
"I think Bruce Perry is doing a better job right now and is getting some juice back in his legs. So is Jason Crawford. I'd say they are the two leaders [at the tailback position]."
On wide receiver situation:
"They've done pretty well. [Walk-on freshman] Derrick Fenner has come in and done a pretty doggone good job for a freshman. He's made some plays. I thought we had some productive practices even though we're down [in numbers] in the receiving corps."
On kicking situation:
"Based on what I saw today I thought [Nick] Novak separated himself a little bit today. His last kick was pretty good, a 48-yarder under pressure. I'm still waiting to see what we do on kickoffs. Both are close on hang time on kickoffs. We should have a good kicking game, I really do. We're working hard on it."
REVISED PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
Head coach Ralph Friedgen and his staff have adjusted the Terps' remaining practice schedule this week. The Terps will work out once each on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with all three sessions slated to start at 3:30 p.m.
Thursday's scrimmage is closed to the media and public.
FAN DAY SLATED FOR THIS SATURDAY
Terrapin fans can meet and greet members of the 2001 Maryland football team following Saturday's scrimmage, which gets underway at 3:30 p.m. This year's Terrapin squad will be on hand to sign autographs, beginning at approximately 5:45 p.m.
FRIEDGEN MEDIA LUNCHEONS BEGIN TUESDAY Ralph Friedgen will address the media every Tuesday beginning at 1 p.m. on the second level of Tyser Tower. Parking is available on the Byrd Stadium promenade
