Football Practice Report No. 5
8/14/2002 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2002
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Maryland's football team, now just 16 days away from its 2002 season opener, went through morning and evening practice sessions Wednesday as the Terps continued preparations for the Aug. 31 Kickoff Classic vs. Notre Dame.
The Terps, who are coming off an ACC championship and a berth in the FedEx Orange Bowl, are slated for a walk-through practice Thursday morning before donning the pads for an afternoon practice session beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Two Terps who have been hobbled since last season, tailback Bruce Perry and linebacker E.J. Henderson, both were in full pads and working out in Wednesday's night practice. Perry has been bothered by a stomach strain since last December; Henderson is coming off back surgery this past April. Both players missed spring drills.
"I thought we had a very good [morning] practice. We worked hard and were very enthusiastic," said head coach Ralph Friedgen. "I like this team and I like the attitude, especially the young guys. I'm pleased with where the young players are right now."
Selected comments from Ralph Friedgen following the morning practice:
On running backs:
"Mario Merrills has had a good camp. He made a few mistakes last night and today, but before that he hadn't been making any. He broke a couple long runs today, and so did Josh Allen and J.P. Humber. The kid that impresses me as a freshman is Allen - he has a burst."
On installation:
"We're way ahead. I was telling [offensive coordinator] Charlie Taaffe today just that. I'm pleased with the attention by the kids, and our coaches know the system better now. They are doing a very good job of teaching it. Almost everything is in as far as the offense and the defense."
On E.J. Henderson:
"He's moving real well....right now, he's looking like the old E.J."
On QB's Scott McBrien and Chris Kelley:
"I thought both of them had a good practice this morning. Both are getting better. Orlando Evans is getting better, he's just not as far along as the others. There were more big plays in practice today."
On the kicking game:
"I'm pleased with the kicking game right now. Brooks Barnard and Nick Novak are both hitting the ball real well right now, and I like where we are in our protection."
