Aug. 12, 2003
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The following is the University of Maryland football team practice report from August 9-12 as it continues to move toward the start of the 2003 season. Practice reports will run every Tuesday and Thursday during preseason camp, with news and notes on each day's session.
The Terrapins open their '03 campaign on Thursday, August 28th at Northern Illinois in a game that will be nationally televised by Fox Sports Net (locally on NewsChannel 8 in D.C. and CN8 in Baltimore) before heading to Tallahassee, Fla., for their Atlantic Coast Conference opener at Florida State.
Quick Hits
Friday, Aug. 8
The Terps hit the practice fields in full pads for the first time in the preseason, though hitting was light. The team appeared ready to hit, however, as Coach Friedgen repeatedly bellowed "stay off the ground" to players pushing the envelope.
One player who has looked strong all of camp has been cornerback Curome Cox. The senior intercepted a pass after covering tight end Jeff Dugan before breaking up a pass a couple of plays later that was intended for "posse" tight end Rob Abiamiri.
The most athletic defensive play of the day came from newcomer Tim Cesa who had a diving interception in team drills.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Saturday was the first day of two-a-days. The team was in full pads and was full contact for the first time of the preseason in the afternoon practice.
Just one day removed from being sidelined, Orlando Evans connected with with WR Maurice Shanks on a go route down the left sideline. He later connected on nearly the same play to TE Rob Abiamiri.
Curome Cox came up with another interception early in team drills in the second practice of the day.
Ohio State transfer Sammy Maldonado ran hard from his tailback spot. He flattened a cornerback after a screen pass on one play then later showed a burst when he was able to turn the corner on an outside run that went for about 30 yards.
Practice ended with intense goal line drills before a brief kicking session that determined whether the players would have to run or not.
Sunday, Aug. 10
For the first time this preseason, the Terps spent the entire practice on the grass fields, which held up well.
In game situations, Scott McBrien made something out of nothing as he improvised, rolled out to his left and found WR Derrick Fenner who extended to come down with a 25-yard gain.
Newcomer Vernon Davis - a player who stays late to get extra work after every practice - starts seeing work at the H-back spot, giving the Terps another threat to go along with Rob Abiamiri who also moved over from receiver to play the position. He has also helped take some of the workload away from Abiamiri who was getting a high number of reps at the spot.
Friedgen after Sunday's practice: "I think our defense is doing a good job of getting interceptions and coming up with loose balls, but the offense needs to take better care of the ball."
Monday, Aug. 11
Middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson came down with an interception on a play where the ball was tipped around, touching three other players hands before he secured it for the defense.
Jackson's pick was one in a group of three-straight plays where the defense broke up a pass.
In the second practice of the day, TE Rob Abiamiri had a pair of nice blocks to help seal a play that saw Bruce Perry rush for about 20 yards.
Sophomore tailback Josh Allen broke outside in a 3rd-and-short situation and went for what likely would have been a long touchdown.
Friedgen after Monday's practice: "They're tired right now but they're trying to push themselves through it. I am happy with where they are mentally for the most part. We're ahead of where we we've been in the past at this point."
Tuesday, Aug. 12
Chris Kelley came up with an interception from his safety position late in practice.
Newcomer Drew Weatherly continued his strong work at wide receiver, posting his second strong practice in a row. The Delaware native had an outstanding day on Monday and appears to be catching onto the nuances of the offense.
Fellow freshmen Wesley Jefferson and Tim Cesa appear to be in a tight battle for playing time at middle linebacker behind the incumbent Jackson.
Comcast To Air Preseason Special
Comcast SportsNet will air a half-hour special on the Terps three times the week of Maryland's season opener. The special, which includes an extended interview with Coach Friedgen, will air Mon., August 25th at 10:30 p.m., Wed., August 27th at 9:00 p.m. and prior to the network airing the Northern Illinois game on August 28th.
Fan Day This Sunday
The Terps will play host to the annual Terrapin Fan Day this Sunday. The event will take place at Byrd Stadium with gates opening at 1:00 p.m. For more information, click on the link to Fan Day on the football page of umterps.com.
