Aug. 24, 2001

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland went through a single practice on Friday and used the workout to focus on preparations for North Carolina, next Saturday's season-opening opponent.

"I'm feeling better about this crew, the last three practices they have worked through some things and haven't just gone through the motions," said first-year Terp head coach Ralph Friedgen. "I know they're tired. But we have to get better, time's running and there's only so many reps left."

Wide receiver Guilian Gary, who suffered a neck sprain on Tuesday, did not practice, although his situation continues to improve, according to Friedgen. Backup offensive guard Ed Tyler returned to practice after having a cast placed on his broken right hand.

Friedgen also indicated that quarterback Scott McBrien, a former prep standout at DeMatha, has transferred to Maryland from West Virginia and should be on the practice field soon. McBrien will sit out the 2001 season but will help bolster the Terps' signal-calling corps next spring.

The Terps now prepare for Fan Day on Saturday. Practice begins at 3:30 p.m., with an autograph session slated to follow at approximatley 5:45 p.m. The team will have Sunday off.

FRIEDGEN POST-PRACTICE COMMENTS:

On players who have stepped up:
"[Wide receiver] Jafar Williams continues to do well. Defensively, linebacker E.J. Henderson and cornerback Jamal Chance are doing a good job."

On scrimmage Thursday:
"We went about 112 plays. The first team offense ran about 65 plays and the first team defense got in 48 or 50 plays. They got a short game in."

On transfer Scott McBrien:
"Scott is going to walk on. As soon as he gets a physical I hope to get him out here working with us. I think it's a good situation for him because of our quarterback situation. Hopefully it will help our defense to go against a guy who can throw the ball and give them something to work against. When Shaun Hill leaves next year, he may have more game experience than our other quarterbacks. I'm happy he decided to come to our school."

On area he'd like to see most improvement:
"Our execution. I think it's getting better. We had an 18-play drive yesterday which I was pleased with. I'd like the timing on our throws to get better. Our running game still needs some improvement. Defensively we have to play with a little better technique. I think Tony Okanlawon is playing well and with a lot of confidence. Charles Hill and Durrand Roundtree are doing a good job also."

On special teams:
"Jon Condo will be our snapper. Jesse Kluttz isn't too far behind, but Condo is a little bit faster. Nick Novak will be our placekicker, and Brooks Barnard will be the punter."

On tailback spot:
"Bruce Perry stepped up and ran real hard in the scrimmage Thursday, and I think he'll be the starter. The backup will be Marc Riley or Jason Crawford depending on how things go the rest of the week."