Spring Football Practice Report No. 8

April 28, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -

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The following is the eighth and final installment of bi-weekly practice reports on the University of Maryland football team as it has progressed through spring practice, 2005. Maryland's spring football season culminates with this Saturday's annual Red/White Game at Byrd Stadium (4:00 p.m.).

Tuesday, April 26

Another cool morning and the team worked with officials on hand, ironing out kinks in two minute drills among other things. Other facets of their game the Terps worked on included special teams kick coverage and one-on-one drills for the defensive and offensive lines.

The practice was largely a learning practice that included very little team drills and for the third time, work on offensive and defensive schemes that will help the Terps in the fall when preparing for the types of look they will get from Navy in the opener -- something it will likely not see the rest of the year.

QB Joel Statham connected with Jo Jo Walker running down the middle of the field in full skelly on what would have been a 70-yard touchdown. Walker came back later in two-minute and made an incredible diving catch on a Sam Hollenbach pass where he extended and caught the ball just inches off the ground.

One play that seemed to work well in the session offensively was play action to Vernon Davis. The tight end consistently got open on the play and was able to gain significant yardage after almost every reception.

Statham, who has continually improved the last few weeks, made an oustanding pass on a 15-yard out to WR Paschal Abiamiri, beating tight coverage by CB Kevin Barnes.

Friedgen on Tuesday's practice: "Today was pretty much a learning day. I think we are pretty sore after the scrimmage Saturday, which was around 120 plays. One positive thing that I am seeing has been in our kicking game. I think Obi is making a move on Ennis; he has been impressive in our last two practices and is pushing to take over the starting job. It is a real good battle between those two."

Thursday, April 28

The final regular practice session of the spring was a good one for the Terps, again combining good competition, cool morning air and a good bit of learning for the team as officials were once again on hand.

Today was National Bring Your Children to Work Day and several Terp coached took advantage of the opportunity. Offensive line coach Tom Brattan's daughter Megan attended practice as did Al Seamonson's boys, Karter and Kalvin.

Jo Jo Walker continued his outstanding week -- and spring -- making another highlight reel catch, this time going up high over S Milton Harris (who was called for interference on the play) and hauling in a pass over the middle from Hollenbach.

In full skelly and team drills, the defense looked good with the defensive backs forcing a number of coverage sacks.

LB Wesley Jefferson showed good coverage skills of his own on a play down the middle of the field intended for TB Mario Merrills. Jefferson got an earful from his teammates after the tight coverage and ultimate incompletion.

Spring star William Kershaw had a "de-cleater" on Drew Weatherly in team drills, breaking up a short pass and drawing a chorus of "oohs" from the sidelines.

Christian Varner got in some work today, but was among a list of players Friedgen said he doubts he will see in the spring game due to injuries. The others: S Isaiah Gardner, OG Garrick Clig, TB Josh Allen and S Marcus Wimbush -- a relatively short list.

Friedgen on Thursday's practice: "We polished a few things today and installed some other things. It was a decent workout. I think overall, the defense got after the offense pretty good today."

Dates to Remember

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

Sat., May 7 (5 p.m.) -- 2005 Football Gala (Comcast Center)

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

Players Mentioned

Kevin Barnes

Isaiah Gardner

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