Football Practice Report #6

Aug. 27, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The following is the final installment of the University of Maryland football team's preseason practice reports from 2004 fall camp. The Terrapins wrapped up their workouts yesterday with the final scrimmage of the preseason and now begin preparation for next weekend's opener against Northern Illinois.

Tuesday, August 24

The team got back to work and so did quarterback Ryan Mitch after a temporary hiatus from the team. Coach Friedgen and the staff welcomed the redshirt freshman's decision to return to the team.

One of the highlights of the day's practice came in a one-on-one blocking drill between running backs and linebackers. TB Josh Allen lined up against MLB D'Qwell Jackson and when Jackson made an inside move to the tackling dummy, Allen pancaked him. Jackson jumped right back up and said "let's do it again" and made a couple of head fakes, went right by Allen then went airborn to deck the "quarterback" drawing some cheers and laughs along the way.

QB Jordan Steffy continued to impress. On one play, he showed perfect touch on a 20-yard out to Vernon Davis. Later in the day, Steffy found up-and-comer Drew Weatherly in the back corner of the end zone for a 12-yard TD.

Friedgen on Mitch's situation: "We all go through these things in life. If we can just find a way to work through them, things always seem to get better. I think that will be the case for Ryan."

Wednesday (A.M.), August 25

The team began its final day of two-a-days in shorts and pads on a nice, cool morning on the practice fields.

The coaching staff continued to allow the team to work towards getting their legs back, making the morning session a little shorter than initially scheduled.

WR Derrick Fenner had one of the top plays of the morning, diving along the sidelines and dragging his feet to pull in a 30-yard pass from Joel Statham. Statham came back a few plays later with an even nicer pass, dropping one in over the right shoulder of a streaking Allen for what would have been a long gain.

On the defensive side of the ball, Henry Scott continued to work with the first team at defensive tackle and looked good. On one play, he was in the backfield in a flash for a sack of a Terp QB.

Wednesday (P.M.), August 25

The final evening two-a-day came with the team in full uniform and gearing up for its final scrimmage a day later.

CB Gerrick McPhearson continued a strong camp, picking off Statham and returning the ball 20 yards.

In team drills, David Holloway made a nice play getting in the backfield for a tackle for loss of Danny Melendez after the receiver had taken the ball on a reverse.

In two-minute drill, Chris Kelley blitzed from his safety position and brought Statham down for a sack. Earlier in the session, Statham had looked good running the option and drew praise from the sidelines on one play when he got big blocks from Lou Lombardo and Russell Bonham on the right side of the line.

Thursday, August 26

Byrd Stadium was again the setting for the Terps as they ran their final scrimmage of preseason camp in front of a healthy smattering of fans.

The offense struggled at times but had some highlights as well as Mitch led all signal callers with a 9-of-14 performance with 104 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Steffy also looked good completing 10-of-15 for 135 with an interception and no TDs.

Tailback Lance Ball got the most carries of any tailback and made the most of it, rushing for 104 yards on 19 carries. The redshirt freshman had a nice 18-yard run for a touchdown in the mix.

After practice, Friedgen said that Statham had pretty well sewed up the starting job at quarterback but that the backup situation would likely be determined on Friday after coaches took a look at practice film.

Friedgen stated after practice that the team will now begin its preparation for the season opener against Northern Illinois, starting with today's afternoon practice and Saturday's session before getting Sunday off.

Info on Terps' New Radio Format for Football

2004 ACC Football Preview to Air This Weekend
JP Sports' edition of the 2004 ACC Football Preview will air this weekend in the D.C./Maryland area. The preview, which has been expanded to an hour in length, will feature the Terps and the 10 other members of the league as well as some behind-the-scene features filmed in the offseason. The show will air on Comcast SportsNet Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Monday at 7:00 p.m.

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