July 20, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The following is the fifth in a nine-part series previewing the 2004 University of Maryland football team with today's focus being on the offensive line. The Terrapins open fall practice on August 11th in preparation for their season opener against Northern Illinois at Byrd Stadium on September 4th.

The Terrapin offensive line returns three starters from last year's team and should again be one of the strengths of the offense. Check back every Tuesday and Thursday in the month of July for a breakdown on each component of this year's team (a complete list of when each position's synopsis will be posted on umterps.com can be found at the bottom of this page), a squad ranked by most preseason publications in the top 25 nationally.

Offensive Line
Maryland has lost a pair of solid performers in Lamar Bryant and Eric Dumas from a year ago, making the right side of the offensive line a source of focus. Their departure, however, appears to not have hurt the unit as much as could be expected for several reasons. First, though young, this year's team is deeper than those in the past. Second, it helps to some degree that the side now protecting the quarterback's blind side is the side with experience. With a left-handed Scott McBrien a year ago, that would not have been the case.

Kyle Schmitt enters his senior season at center and will do so as a candidate for the Rimington Award. In his first full year as a starter, Schmitt had his best season as a Terp and graded out as the team's top lineman, earning honorable mention All-ACC status along the way. In the offseason, he solidified his spot as possibly the team's most important lineman as his improvement continued and his role as the "quarterback" of the offensive line was never more apparent. His backups entering fall camp are Ryan McDonald and Robert Jenkins, a pair of players who will have a good battle to determine where they will reside on the depth chart when the season opens. McDonald has the edge in quickness, but Jenkins is a physical player that could help the team if he were able to take the next step. Coaches are also hoping to get a good look at newcomer Edwin Williams at center this season as well.

Senior C.J. Brooks is the starter at left guard and has drawn acclaim from a number of preseason publications as a likely All-American in his final season at Maryland. A first team All-ACC selection last year, he is a tenacious blocker who can play tackle or guard if needed. His team-high 37 knockdown blocks last year, however, make his return to guard for a second-straight year likely. Playing time behind Brooks will come from either junior Russell Bonham or redshirt freshman Garrick Clig. Bonham missed spring with a knee injury but is a physical player who was playing his best football prior to the injury toward the end of 2003. Clig is a physical player who came on as the season progressed last year, showing the ability to blow people off of the ball. Junior Matt Powell is a versatile veteran who will also work at the position.

On the right side, redshirt freshman Andrew Crummey appears to have wrapped up the starting job. Though his physical progress needs to continue, Crummey improved his size and strength in year one and gives the line an intelligent, athletic guard with very good feet. He may eventually end up at center, but is slated to play guard this year. Redshirt freshman Donnie Woods is listed as Crummey's backup while he will have to fight off a charge from Bonham should the junior not fit in on the left side. Woods seems to have overcome a knee injury suffered in high school and has steadily improved over the course of the last year. Considered one of the top prep linemen in the nation prior to his injury, he knows the game very well and could be a factor with improved strength. Sophomore Dave Quaintance will continue to work at right guard as well after moving over from the defensive side of the ball in the spring, and true freshman Jaimie Thomas will also get a look at the position.

As it should be, the Terrapins have their best pass blocker, Stephon Heyer at left tackle. Heyer had a good year in his first as a starter and a very good spring. As he continues to get stronger, he could become a dominant player and should be considered for postseason honors this season. Senior Ryan Flynn, who performed well in his first year as a lineman after switching from tight end, will be Heyer's backup and give the Terps some solid depth at the position. Redshirt freshman Brock Choate is a hard-working player with good size but still a work in progress. He will see increased playing time as his knowledge of the system continues to improve.

Right tackle will be manned by another experienced lineman, senior Lou Lombardo. Lombardo is a big, strong lineman who has seen significant playing time in his three non-redshirt years. His first season as the starter, he gives Maryland an excellent run blocker opposite the team's best pass blocker (Heyer). Behind Lombardo are second-year players Brandon Nixon and Eddie Matto as well as incoming freshman Scott Burley. Nixon dropped some weight in the offseason and improved his strength, making him a player whose development will continue to be of interest as he has the physical attributes coaches crave. Matto has been a pleasant surprise after walking on a year ago.

"We are in pretty good shape overall," said Friedgen. "We could use some more depth at certain spots but we have a lot of talent coming in, so we will see who is prepared and who isn't amongst that group. The left side is in good shape and on the right side, Lou is playing to the level Eric (Dumas) was last year and we think Crummey will be good as his strength improves."

Outlook Schedule on UMterps.com:
Offense/Quarterbacks        Posted July 6
Tailbacks/Fullbacks         Posted July 8
Wide Receivers              Posted July 13
Tight Ends                  Posted July 15
Offensive Line              Today
Defense/Defensive Line      Thursday, July 22
Linebackers                 Tuesday, July 27
Defensive Backs             Thursday, July 29
Specialists                 Tuesday, August 3 

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