April 1, 2004
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Rain and colder-than-average temperatures could not stop the University of Maryland football team from taking the field as scheduled for the first time this spring. The Terrapins worked out in shells despite the inclement weather in the first of 15 practice sessions.
Coach Ralph Friedgen was pleased with the team's effort and enthusiasm as it stands one day from the first practice in full pads (Saturday).
"We have a lot of work to do," said Friedgen. "I like the players enthusiasm. Our coaches have done a great job but have a lot of work ahead of them."
Among some of Thursday's highlights:
True sophomore Josh Wilson stripped a receiver in 7-on-7 drills and returned it for what would have been a touchdown.
The team showed it will get more use out of the tight end position from a receiving standpoint as Vernon Davis and Rob Abiamiri both looked good. Davis took a short pass on a roll out from Joel Statham and turned it into a big gain down the right sideline in team drills.
Senior strong safety Chris Kelley looked good and had a pair of interceptions, though he was fortunate an uncovered tight end streaking down the field went unnoticed on one play. Overall, Kelley's performance was one of the highlights of the day.
Redshirt freshman LB Tim Cesa showed good hands, leaping and snaring an interception late in team drills.
The most anticipated battle of the spring is at the quarterback spot and though the slippery conditions did not make it ideal for evaluating the passing game, a pair of Terps shined despite the lack of sun, according to Friedgen.
"Joel (Statham) showed a lot more poise and leadership qualities today than he has in the past," said Friedgen," and Ryan Mitch really jumped out to me. Those two were head and shoulders above the rest today."
Weather permitting, the Terps are slated to return to the field tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. They will don the pads for the first time Saturday morning and have their first scrimmage scheduled for Saturday the 10th. The spring game is April 24th at 4:00 p.m. at Byrd Stadium.
