Aug. 19, 2003
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The following is the University of Maryland football team practice report from August 15th through the 19th as the team gets closer and closer to the start of the 2003 season. This is the sixth of seven reports, each detailing the days' events from preseason camp.
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. The team puts the wrap on camp this Thursday with the six-day game week starting on Saturday.
Fans Welcome To View First Taping of Friedgen Show
This Friday, August 22nd, the first edition of the "Ralph Friedgen Show" for 2003 will be taped and Terrapin fans are welcomed to attend.
The show, which will air Wednesdays and Fridays on Comcast SportsNet, will be taped at the Outback Steakhouse at Prince George's Plaza in Hyattsville, Md., at Noon.
Quick Hits
Friday, Aug. 15
The passing game continues to shine. Senior Orlando Evans continues to make marked improvements over his play of a year ago.
Newcomer Patrick Powell has shown outstanding pass-rushing ability in his short time as a collegian, marking him as a player to watch down the line.
Free safety Madieu Williams made a touchdown-saving tackle on tailback Sammy Maldonado after Maldonado broke through the line on a 3rd-and-2 play and had only Williams between him and the goal line.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Practice got off to a slow start as heavy rain and, ultimately, lightning forced the Terps to retreat to the Varsity Team House weight room.
After returning, QB Orlando Evans connected on a nice 30-yard out pattern to Rich Parson during the two-minute drill. He continued to look good in the drive, ultimately setting up a 41-yard field goal by Nick Novak which was converted with seven seconds left on the clock. It was the last play of practice.
Coach Friedgen got some laughs in the session when a player questioned a play that he called a sack in team drills. Friedgen responded to the player, "I'm El Supremo, don't you know that?," and the sack stood.
Sunday, Aug. 17 (FAN DAY)
Click on the following link Fan Day Release
Monday, Aug. 18
Cornerback Curome Cox continued his strong play, intercepting another pass when he stepped in front of an ill-timed quick out pattern.
Good news and bad news on the injury front -- QB Scott McBrien tweaked his groin muscle and will need 48 hours of rest before re-evaluation. On the positive side, OT Stephon Heyer successfully returned from a shoulder injury suffered the day before.
Redshirt freshman QB Joel Statham connected on a deep route over the middle to Rich Parson in the two-minute drill. The drive was later stopped by an interception.
Tuesday, Aug. 19
The team got good news in that it appears that today will be the final two-a-day of the 2003 preseason. Another two-a-day scheduled for Thursday will, in all likelihood, turn into a single session before the team gets into its game-week mode.
The team pushed through the practice session, though tired, still giving maximum effort. Josh Allen continues to look strong at tailback while the Terps' wide receivers displayed some solid blocking on running plays.
Coach Friedgen continued to praise the play of tight end Jeff Dugan, telling the media that the senior is having an outstanding camp, has improved his pass catching and is playing like a player who deserves an opportunity on the next level.
Season Tickets Remain
Though season tickets are moving at a record pace, there over a few thousand remaining for the 2003 season. The Terps open their home season against The Citadel on September 13.
To secure some of the season tickets that remain, please call the Terrapin Ticket Office at (301) 314-7070.
