Football Practice Report No. 2

Aug. 5, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The following is part of a series of practice reports for the University of Maryland football team as it prepares for the 2003 season. The reports will run every Tuesday and Thursday, with news and notes from preseason camp.

The Terrapins open the '03 campaign on Thursday, August 28th at Northern Illinois in a game that will be nationally televised by Fox Sports Net before heading to Tallahassee, Fla., for their Atlantic Coast Conference opener at Florida State.

Terps Sweat Out Practice No. 2
Once again practicing exclusively on field turf, the Terrapins completed their second practice of the preseason on a hot, humid day in College Park.

With water evaporating off of the turf from a rain earlier in the day, Maryland continued its work in "shells" (helmets and shoulder pads), getting in some work for the first two as well as the third and fourth teams.

Today's practice went well according to head coach Ralph Friedgen, but there was some attrition.

"Our young quarterbacks didn't practice as well today as they did yesterday,"said Friedgen, "but that is to be expected. A good number of our wide receivers are doing a lot of good things, though."

Quick Hits

One player who many will keep their eyes on this fall - second-year LEO Shawne Merriman - had one of the defensive highlights on the day as he leapt up in the air at the line of scrimmage to bat down a pass attempt and ended up coming down with the interception.

Redshirt freshman QB Sam Hollenbach completed a nice deep out to WR Onnie Onwuemene.

Newcomer and local product Ryan Mitch (DeMatha HS) made some nice throws, but had one intercepted by second-year linebacker David Holloway, a play that Holloway would have likely taken the distance.

When the third and fourth teamers hit the field, young tailbacks J.P. Humber and Lance Ball had some nice runs. Humber has outstanding quickness for a player his size while Ball excelled running the ball between the tackles.

Curtis Williams -- a player who has spent time on special teams, at linebacker and at safety - saw time at wide receiver today and made a catch late in the practice session.

Domin-EEEK!
First-year safety Dominique Richmond was one of a number of Terps who had their heads shaved prior to Tuesday's practice. Several players had their heads shaved completely (Chris Kelley) while others had patterns cut into their head (Josh Wilson), but Richmond took the cake by having his head shaved in the pattern of a bald man.

Preseason Practice Open To The Public
Terrapin fans have a rare opportunity to enjoy watching practice sessions as preseason camp is open to the public. Any fans interested in attending, however, will need to call the football office at (301) 314-7096 and leave your name if interested in attending. Practice will be held this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from approximately 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

For season ticket information, please call the Terrapin Ticket Office at (301) 314-7070 or (800) 462-TERP (8377).

Players Mentioned

Lance Ball

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