Football Practice Report No. 3

Aug. 18, 2005

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Tuesday, August 16

The team got the benefit of a quick rain just before practice, making it overcast and cool.

Referees were working practice again, helping the team work on discipline.

Junior defensive tackle Conrad Bolston continued to play well in the middle of the line.

Sophomore safety Isaiah Gardner showed nice coverage on WR Derrick Fenner, breaking up a pass from QB Sam Hollenbach which was thrown right on target.

Friedgen talked after practice about the unselfishness senior tight end Derek Miller has shown taking reps at left tackle. Miller knows the assignments and his time in has, in the coach's words, "helped accelerate the learning curve."

Friedgen on Tuesday's practice: "I am not frustrated with our kids. We aren't where we would want to be, but we aren't far from it."

Wednesday, August 17

The team was in helmets and shoulder pads for its morning practice session.

Hollenbach showed much better skill and mobility as a runner.

Sophomore Jason Goode is doing a nice job as a blocking back, drawing praise from teammates after a blitz pickup.

The first team offense looked good in the red zone.

Freshman Jeff Allen made a diving pass breakup on a pass that would have been a sure touchdown in the red zone.

On the next play the defense forced a coverage sack before QB Jordan Steffy completed a touch-pass for a score in the corner of the end zone to freshman WR Terrell Skinner.

Friedgen on the newcomers: "Sometimes they have a hard time going full speed all the time, every play, because they are generally not accustomed to that. We have some guys who are going to be good players, but that is something they are going to have to learn how to do."

Wednesday's Late Practice

The cool weather was a welcome addition to a spirited workout for the Terps.

Practice began with the ongoing battle for the place-kicking spot between Dan Ennis and Obi Egekeze. Each will continue to push each other for the next few weeks in preparation for the Sept. 3 opener with Navy.

The Terps offense continues to sharpen up in the passing game, as all three QBs atop the depth chart looked good.

Sam Hollenbach completed a 40-yard pass to Derrick Fenner in the middle of the field during an early period of practice. Later, in a passing period, Hollenbach had a pass tipped by linebacker David Holloway, then completed five straight.

In his part of the same drill, Joel Statham hit Vernon Davis on a fly pattern down the right side for a sure touchdown that would have gone for at least 50 yards.

Players Mentioned

Jeff Allen

Obi Egekeze

Isaiah Gardner

Jason Goode

Terrell Skinner

Jordan Steffy

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