Spring Football Practice Report No. 7

April 25, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The following is the seventh installment of bi-weekly practice reports on the University of Maryland football team as it progresses through spring practice, 2005. The last two reports will today and Friday leading up to this Saturday's annual Red/White Game at Byrd Stadium (4:00 p.m.).

Saturday, April 23
Statistics, Scrimmage #2

The Terps were back in Byrd Stadium for their final scrimmage of this spring leading up to this year's Red/White game, which was a week away. A crowd of around 150-200 scattered around the stadium, many of them high school coaches who had attended the coaching staff's annual clinic the night before.

The team got in a little work, but was again almost instantly into the scrimmage. Unlike last week's, this scrimmage also featured some special teams work. Adam Podlesh looked to be in midseason form while Jo Jo Walker looks like he is going to add a spark in the returns game.

About 30 minutes into the scrimmage, recently departed DE Shawne Merriman was selected with the 12th overall pick of the NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.

Sophomore Keon Lattimore looked the best he has in his short time in a Maryland uniform, finding holes and bursting through them. Lattimore said after practice that he finally feels completely healthy and it showed -- he ran for 100 yards on just 15 carries on the day.

WR Matt Goldberg had one of the best catches of the day, hauling in a 22-yard reception along the sideline that came in high and over his shoulder, but he adjusted and made the grab to his teammates delight.

Two plays that drew the attention and cheers of all watching: 1) H-back Jason Goode caught a ball along the left sideline and ran over CB Kevin Barnes; 2) a pulling Scott Burley blasted Isaiah Gardner on a running play in two-minute drill.

After a touchdown pass to Matt Deese, the sprinklers came on at Byrd Stadium's home sideline. While the team ultimately moved to the opposite sideline, most players lingered for a minute, appreciating the cool-off.

Transfer Chris Roberts got some work on kickoffs and showed a big leg, suggesting he might be a factor in that competition for a job.

Tim Cesa continued to show that his move to fullback may have been the right one as he was blowing his former counterparts at linebacker out of the way, creating some holes for the tailbacks who looked very good as a group on the day.

Friedgen on Saturday's scrimmage: ""We looked like an offense today. We hadn't looked like that in a long while. I think the defense was a little frustrated today, but I think they were getting blocked. Offense got after their ass. I think we took a major step today."

Dates to Remember

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

Sat., Sept. 3 (6 p.m.) -- Season opener vs. Navy (M&T Bank Stadium)

Sat., Sept. 10 (time TBA) -- Home opener vs. Clemson

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

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Players Mentioned

#2 Kevin Barnes: DB; 6' 1"; Junior

#77 Scott Burley: OL; 6' 5"; Senior

#5 Isaiah Gardner: DB; 5' 11"; Senior

#89 Matt Goldberg: WR; 6' 2"; Junior

#15 Jason Goode: TE; 6' 3"; Senior

#21 Keon Lattimore: RB; 5' 11"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#2 Kevin Barnes
: 6' 1"; Junior
: DB

#77 Scott Burley
: 6' 5"; Senior
: OL

#5 Isaiah Gardner
: 5' 11"; Senior
: DB

#89 Matt Goldberg
: 6' 2"; Junior
: WR

#15 Jason Goode
: 6' 3"; Senior
: TE

#21 Keon Lattimore
: 5' 11"; Senior
: RB