Football Practice Report #3

Aug. 20, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The following is the third of several practice reports from fall camp for the Maryland football team. The Terps continue to work in preparation for their Sept. 4 opener with Northern Illinois and are now in the midst of two-a-days. Football practice reports will run every Tuesday and Friday during preseason camp with news and notes from each day's outing.

Tuesday, August 17

The Terps returned to the practice fields on Tuesday - a beautiful afternoon - in full uniform and, again, ready to hit.

Senior Reuben Haigler continued to play well from his boundary cornerback position. In this session, he made a great break on the ball to pick off a pass on the right sideline and cut up field for a 25-yard return. Later in the same 7-on-7 drills, he made another strong move to break up a similar pass play.

QB Sam Hollenbach continued to work to put his best foot forward in the quarterback race, connecting with walk-on Greg Powell for a long pass play in team drills.

The coaching staff installed blitz packages for Tuesday's practice, giving the offense an earlier look than normal so it could adjust and be prepared for similar looks in scrimmages to come. In spite of the blitzes, the offense performed well.

Friedgen on the day: "I am sure the guys are tired, but we didn't have a lot of zip today. Overall though, I would say we are still progressing."

Wednesday (A.M.), August 18

The Terps got started early with a 5:30 wake-up call at the Greenbelt Marriott, their temporary home due to issues at their normal camp residence, La Plata Hall. At 7:45, they took the field in helmets and shoulder pads for a two hour and 15 minute session.

College Sports Television had cameras virtually everywhere as part of their "Dog Days" feature later this summer. The show will feature Maryland's offensive line and will have exclusive footage rarely seen from a camera crew at UM. Stay tuned to umterps.com for updates on air dates.

Cornerback Gerrick McPhearson did a nice job in coverage on one play early in practice, picking off an errant throw from Hollenbach.

Joel Statham did a nice job in team drills of being patient, rolling through his progressions and finding his second and sometimes third receivers. On one play, he stood in the pocket and threaded the needle to Rich Parson for about a 15-yard gain.

Friedgen told the media after practice that Saturday's scrimmage at the practice fields will be a situational scrimmage and he will likely run first teamers against second teamers.

Wednesday (P.M.), August 18

For the second time this year, the team had a full set of officials in to call practice so that the team could work on its discipline in a game setting.

The cornerbacks and receivers worked against each other in one-on-one passing drills with the corners getting the better of Wednesday morning's exchange. Things would go differently later in the day.

In team drills, WR Jo Jo Walker did a nice job of pulling in a pass from Statham and getting a foot down in bounds for a 27-yard gain. He later took the handoff on an end-around from Jordan Steffy and turned it into a 40-yard pickup.

Practice ended with a 3rd down scrimmage where the offense needed to get one yard for a first down. The winner between the offense and defense did not have to do conditioning drills, so the action was intense. In the end, the offense was the big winner and Statham the star of the day. Statham finished the drill 5-of-7 for 108 yards with one TD and one interception. His interception was an exceptional play by Domonique Foxworth where the senior tipped the ball to himself. His other non-completion was a drop that hit its intended receiver right in the hands.

Thursday, August 19

The team went back to work in full pads and, unfortunately, the heat.

Jordan Steffy continues to pick things up at an impressive pace for a young quarterback. Said Friedgen after practice: "He has really impressed me."

Fellow frosh Jack Griffin has moved outside and is working at defensive end. He is another player moving up the charts despite playing through a high ankle sprain.

Practice ended with a successful two minute drill led by Sam Hollenbach and a 35-yard field goal by backup kicker Dan Ennis.

Friedgen on Thursday's practice: "They're tired, sore and beat up a little bit but I think they tried to push through it. This is a young team though so it is the first time some of these kids have had to push through something like this."

Friday (A.M.), August 19

The morning session was another hot day and some attrition has set in as several Terps worked out on the side due to minor injuries (heat, hamstrings, etc.).

The practice session ended about 30 minutes early as the start of players getting a better rest and getting some of their strength back.

Friedgen said to media after practice that they will soon start cutting back even more to get the team's legs back and have them physically ready for the season opener with NIU.

Friedgen on the return of DE Shawne Merriman to today's practice: "He got in the quarterbacks face a few times today. His presence helps our defense. He's one of the guys who provides leadership for us so it was good to have him back."

Fan Day This Sunday
The team's annual Fan Day this Sunday at Byrd Stadium. Gates open at 1:30 for the event that will include an autograph session, giveaways and an open practice session for the team as it continues its preparation for its Sept. 4 season opener.

What: 2004 Football Fan Day
When: Sunday, August 22nd (Gates open at 1:30 p.m.)
Where: Byrd Stadium, College Park

Activities Include:

Team Autograph Session, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Practice open to the public at approximately 3:45 p.m.

Pepsi Interactive Games

Team Store merchandise for sale

Handouts of football posters, magnets, schedule cards and season ticket brochures

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