April 13, 2002

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland's 2002 football team conducted its first full-squad scrimmage of the spring Saturday, and second-year head coach Ralph Friedgen called the 90-minute session played out in front of more than 700 coaches attending the Terps' annual coaching clinic a success.

"We are way ahead of where we were last year," said Friedgen of the Terps, who conducted Saturday's practice in Byrd Stadium after working out on the nearby practice field for their first six sessions of the spring. "I thought the kids gave good effort for the first scrimmage. I'm encouraged. The kids are working hard."

Friedgen singled out as highlights the early play of the defense and the Terps' running game, but said the team's offensive passing game still needs improvement. "I thought our defensive played well early, but then got tired and didn't play as well in the red zone as they need to," he said. "Our throwing game needs to get better, but I thought we ran the ball decently."

Sophomore quarterbacks Chris Kelley and Scott McBrien took turns working with the No. 1 offensive unit, and combined to complete 9 of 11 passes for 115 yards and three touchdowns. Kelley connected with receiver Rich Parson on a 22-yard scoring play and later hooked up with tight end Ryan Flynn on a five-yard TD pass. McBrien, a left-hander, hit senior Scooter Monroe on a 30-yard touchdown play. Monroe led all receivers with four catches for 61 yards.

Latrez Harrison, who was a reserve quarterback his first three seasons, showed he figures into the mix at wide receiver, where he was shifted this past December as the Terps prepared for the Orange Bowl. Harrison had a pair of receptions for 27 yards. Overall, Friedgen was pleased with the play of the Terp wideouts. "I thought Latrez Harrison made some plays and is going to be a factor at wide receiver," said the Terp coach. "Scooter Monroe is much improved, and when we get Jafar Williams back (who is missing spring ball for academic reasons), that is going to give us a good batch of receivers along with Rich Parson and Steve Suter."

Maryland's offensive attack is minus the services of 2001 ACC Offensive Player of the Year Bruce Perry, who is expected to miss the 15-date spring practice session with an injury he suffered prior to the Orange Bowl. Still, without Perry, the Terps' running game impressed Friedgen.

"I thought Jason Crawford did some good things today, along with Mario Merrills," said Friedgen of the Terp tailbacks. "Jason made some good cuts and showed good acceleration early. I see him doing things better, as is Mario Merrills. I also think Chris Downs is having a good spring. He has some quickness. I'm trying to find more spots for him."

On defense, sophomore corner Domonique Foxworth and junior safety Madieu Williams both had interceptions.

Maryland will hold its next practice Sunday afternoon.