July 29, 2004

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

Next Tuesday will be the final part of the preview 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.

Defensive Back
All four of Maryland's starting defensive backs earned All-ACC mention last year, whether it be second team or honorable mention. It was quite a feat for the defense but not undeserved considering the team finished 12th in the nation in pass defense and 17th in pass efficiency defense. The concern that surfaced for 2004, even before 2003 drew to a close, was that three of the four starters from that group have graduated. Though viable, the concern seemed to fade in spring practice as the players who remained answered question after question with their play.

The lone returning starter in 2004 will be senior Domonique Foxworth, a shutdown cornerback who has started all 29 games in which he has played the last three years and has first team (2002) and second team (2003) All-ACC honors to show for it. The All-American candidate will man the "field" corner position and showed in the offseason that his versatility and knowledge of the defense could play a role in nickel and dime situations if needed. Sophomore Josh Wilson has shown good cover skills and the bravado it takes to play the position. Timed at 4.35 in the 40-yard dash, speed will not be a concern for Wilson, either. Freshman Chris Varner is one of four true freshmen who entered the program early and impressed coaches in the spring while Kevin Barnes is another athletic newcomer who will work at field corner this season.

At the boundary spot, senior Reuben Haigler missed most of spring with a groin injury but will start fall atop the depth chart. Haigler is a tough player with good speed and solid cover skills who has worked hard since redshirting in 2003. His status as the starter became a little more uncertain in the spring due to the play of junior Gerrick McPhearson, one of the most athletic players on the team. McPhearson seems to be coming into his own and making use of his team-best 4.29 speed. Sophomore Chris Choice will also work at the spot but the main battle will take place between McPhearson and Haigler.

"I have been pleased with the secondary," said Friedgen. "Going into the offseason, I was concerned with the cornerbacks. I mean, we knew what we had in Domonique (Foxworth) but after spring, we know he is playing the best he has ever played. He had a great spring, challenged receivers more and is playing with very good technique. The other guys are the ones who really impressed me and showed me that they are ready to play."

Heading into the offseason, the position in the secondary where competition seemed to be the tightest was at strong safety. That competition did not last long into spring as senior Chris Kelley, after years of physical turmoil, was outstanding and easily took command of the starting job. Kelley showed good instincts and hitting ability while earning praise as one of the offseason's top performers. Hard-hitting sophomore Marcus Wimbush will back up Kelley and look to see action in nickel and dime situations, while a host of players such as senior Quintin Beltran - 2003 Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year at tailback - and newcomer J.J. Justice will look to be factors. At 218 pounds, Justice ran a reported 10.5 in the 100-meters as a prep in the spring.

The Terps' most experienced safety is Ray Custis, a senior who has seen significant action in the nickel and dime the last two years. Custis - who topped the team's list of Iron Terps for the second-straight year in offseason testing - is a steady performer who is comfortable in the system and has the speed (4.46) to protect against the big play. His backups heading into the fall are all inexperienced as junior transfer Milton Harris is joined by true freshman Richard Taylor at the position.

"Chris Kelley, to me, was the most improved defensive player on our team in the spring and he really impressed me," said Friedgen. "The only questions that I think we need to answer at this point is who goes where in nickel and dime situations. But overall, I feel a lot better about the defensive backfield than I thought I was going to coming in."

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              Posted July 20
Defense/Defensive Line      Posted July 22
Linebackers                 Posted July 27
Defensive Backs             Today
Specialists                 Tuesday, August 3 

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