Football Practice Report No. 2
8/11/2002 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 11, 2002
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Ralph Friedgen put his 100-plus man roster through a single workout session on Sunday as the Terrapins' football camp moved to its second day, but the two-hour workout in hot, humid conditions was marred by the absence of junior tailback Bruce Perry whose lingering stomach strain flared up again.
"[Bruce] said his stomach is real sore, so we took him out," said Friedgen. "He hasn't done anything since the Orange Bowl, really. If [the problem is] still there, I don't know...we may have to move on. We've got a game coming up in less than three weeks. Right now, I'd say Mario Merrills is our starting tailback, and Chris Downs, Jason Crawford and probably Josh Allen all have a chance.
"[Bruce] has had this injury for so long...I'm assuming it's not well," added Friedgen of Perry, who first suffered the strain during preparations for last season's Orange Bowl. "I don't know what to do, but he's not 100 percent."
Because of the hot conditions that developed over the weekend, Friedgen is adjusting the practice schedule early this week, opting for later-evening workouts on Monday and Tuesday in an effort to avoid the cramping problems that has sent some players to the sidelines. Monday workouts are planned for 9:15 a.m. and 7:10 p.m.
Practices are open to MGN and Terrapin Club members only, but those wishing to attend must contact the football office (301-314-7095) to register.
Post-Practice Comments from Ralph Friedgen:
On the day's lone workout:
"I thought we had a good practice today. I thought the kids really pushed themselves. [Freshman tailback] Josh Allen jumped out and did some good things. [Quarterback] Scott McBrien continues to improve. I think our defensive backs are playing pretty good right now; they really gave our receivers some problems today. It was the kind of practice I wanted to have in the heat. A lot of leadership came forth today, and we had a lot of things to really build on. It was tough. They pushed through it. We had a lot of problems [Saturday] with cramps and so forth, and I know they were probably concerned going out there today but they did a really good job. I was pretty pleased overall."
On freshman tailback Josh Allen:
"He has a real burst. He goes through the line of scrimmage and you see the acceleration. It's only practice, but I'm anxious to see what he does in a scrimmage."
On kicker Nick Novak and punter Brooks Barnard:
"[Nick] has been kicking pretty good. We haven't really done kickoffs yet, but we timed him the other day and it was really good. It looked like his leg was real strong. Tomorrow we start working on PATs and field goals. I like the way he is kicking, and I like the way [punter] Brooks Barnard is kicking. He's killing it. I think [our kickers] should be a strength for us."
On safety Madieu Williams:
"He's a good player. He does it all pretty well. He likes to play football. He's a good cover guy who could probably play corner for us. But he's such an aggressive guy you like him to fill the lanes as a safety. He's like a linebacker in there. We're really fortunate to have him. He's really going to add something to our defense."
On QB Scott McBrien:
"He had a good day. He's much improved over the spring. He's still making some mistakes, but that goes with the territory. You can see he is much more familiar with things right now. Hopefully he will keep on improving. So far I've been fairly pleased."
On QB Chris Kelley:
"To me he hasn't lost any mobility at all. I'm really astounded. He almost looks quicker than he was [before his ACL injury in late April]."
On the surfacing of leadership:
"I saw some kids encouraging guys who were tired. I thought that was a good, positive sign."
On the freshman class:
"I like this freshman class. I think we have a lot of solid kids in it. They work really hard."
On the defensive front:
"We are going to miss [nose tackle] Charles Hill [now with the Houston Texans]. He was really responsible for allowing E.J. Henderson to have the year he had because he was such a good penetrator. I'm hoping C.J. Feldheim can have the same type of effect on our team. So far, the defensive line is doing better than the offensive line. They are coming off the ball and making it real tough on our offensive guys, especially the young ones who are trying to think with a helmet in their chest. Our first team defense is doing pretty well right now."
