Spring Football Practice Report No. 3

April 11, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The following is the third installment of bi-weekly practice reports on the University of Maryland football team as it progresses through spring practice, 2005. Reports will run every Monday and Friday leading up to the April 30th Red/White Game at Byrd Stadium.

Saturday, April 9

The trend of getting different weather conditions every day of spring continued for the Terps, but for the second-straight outing the news was good. Though a little chilly, the team got another sunny day at the football practice fields and enjoyed what was probably their best workout of the spring in front of an estimated 150 fans.

What stood out to most in attendance was the progress that the passing game seems to have made. Both Sam Hollenbach and Joel Statham looked strong in team situations and the wide receiver unit -- though thin -- continues to shine and impress the coaches.

Hollenbach's improved confidence in the system is apparent with each passing day. He seems to find receivers better and get through his progressions quicker than he did at the end of last year.

One of the plays of the day saw tight end Vernon Davis get behind the man covering him and jet past defensive backs as Hollenbach hit him in stride for what would have been about a 70-yard touchdown. Davis coasted the final 20 yards with no defensive player within 10.

The team has been relatively injury-free this spring with a few minor dings along the way. On Saturday, tailback Keon Lattimore missed the second half of practice with a sprained right ankle. It is not expected that he will miss too much time with the injury.

Friedgen on Saturday's session: "Both the offense and the defense showed improvement in my mind and the offense did a nice job today. I think Sam (Hollenbach) and Joel (Statham) are progressing nicely and our receivers, in my opinion, are better than they were last year."

The Terps will scrimmage some this Tuesday, but will have their first full-scale scrimmage of the offseason in Saturday's practice. Start time for the practice at Byrd Stadium -- which will end with the scrimmage -- is slated for 10:00 a.m.

More from Friedgen: "I like our attitude and determination right now. Do we still have a long way to go? Yes. But I am very pleased with our progress."

Dates to Remember

Sat., April 16 (10 am) -- Scrimmage #1

Sat., April 23 (10 am) -- Scrimmage #2

Sat., April 30 (4 pm) -- Annual Spring Game

For schedule updates and other info, go to the Maryland Gridiron Network website.

For ticket information, call the Terrapin ticker office at (800) IMA-TERP

Players Mentioned

Keon Lattimore

Footer