Aug. 23, 2005
COLLEGE PARK. Md. -
The following is the fourth in a series of practice reports to run every Tuesday and Thursday, reporting on workouts from the University of Maryland's football practice fields as the Terrapins prepare for their 2005 campaign. Camp will run through August 27 before the team starts game-week preparation for its first opponent, Navy, who it will take on in Baltimore on September 3 (CSTV).
Friday, August 19 (A.M. Practice)
The team worked out in helmets and shoulder pads.
Temperature was a welcome 70 degrees, but rain midway through the session was unwelcome.
In their regular concentration on special teams, the kickoff cover and return teams ran through drills and practices, with Derrick Fenner, Jo Jo Walker and Vernon Davis deep.
The place-kicking battle between Obi Egekeze and Dan Ennis continued, as both kickers fared well.
Due to some injuries in key spots, the morning workout was shortened somewhat.
The workout included some experience in two-minute drill situations.
Friedgen on Saturday's scrimmage: "We've got so many kids who haven't played in a game, we need to put them in game situations and see what they can do. Guys I know what they can do won't get a lot of reps. We've also got to evaluate special teams. I'd like to try to get in a half game or so."
Friedgen on progress: "I think the defense is playing pretty well. The quarterback position has played better. I think the passing game is still ahead of the running game at this point."
Friday, August 19 (P.M. Practice)
Practice began in a light mist, as the team worked out in helmets and shoulder pads.
Temperatures remained cool, as it felt more like a workout in late September rather than late August.
Officials continued to assist in team situations, as they work on their coverage and mechanics in preparation for the season.
Practices open with the Terps attempting to score on a two-point conversion. Keon Lattimore, who is battling at the tailback spot, scored on a quick run up the middle.
Special teams periods had the Terps working on punt coverage and punt returns.
Saturday, August 20 (Closed Scrimmage)
After working on some fundamentals, the Terps broke into a scrimmage and ran just over 70 plays.
Sophomore QB Sam Hollenbach completed 10 of 13 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns, including a 71-yarder to freshman speedster Darrius Heyward-Bey.
Backup QB Joel Statham was 9-for-15 for 115 yards and a touchdown.
The leading receiver was Jason Goode, who caught five passes for 74 yards, while Lance Ball was the leading rusher with 31 yards on 12 carries.
Friedgen on the workout: " I thought Sam played very well... If there's been a bright spot in this camp, it would have to be Sam Hollenbach. I look forward to how he'll be when he gets some confidence... Defensively, I was impressed with (Conrad) Boston, (Wesley) Jefferson and (Christian) Varner."
Monday, August 22 (A.M. Practice)
Team starts the day, as it does all two-a-days, in shoulder pads and helmets and does so on this Monday morning to the best weather it has seen yet in camp.
A lot of preseason focus has been on Sam Hollenbach and he continues to deliver. On this morning, his confidence seems high as he is connecting on timing routes.
The offensive line looked strong on a series of counter plays featuring Keon Lattimore. On one play, guard Jaimie Thomas sealed his man to the outside, clearing the way for Lattimore and hearing it from his offensive teammates afterward.
At one point in the morning session, a few defensive newcomers had trouble "going to the whistle" as coaches call it. That did not last long in the presence of team leader D'Qwell Jackson, who ran out on the field and trailed one first-year player, getting in the player's face to explain what is expected at Maryland.
In team drills on the grass, safety Christian Varner made a nice play, cutting in front of a pass to Paschal Abiamiri and returning the pick at least a good 25 yards.
Friedgen looking back Monday morning on Saturday's scrimmage "I thought we got out of the scrimmage exactly what we wanted to. For a first time scrimmage at Byrd Stadium for some of these young guys...I was encouraged."
Terps on TV & Radio
Below are a few upcoming opportunities for fans to catch Maryland football on the local airwaves:
Former Terp Tim Brant and the local WJLA (D.C., Ch. 7) crew are airing their annual college football special, filmed partly on location at Byrd Stadium, on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m.
This Friday, Ralph Friedgen will be on the Bob Haynie Show (WNST, 1570 AM Baltimore) at 11:30 a.m.
Coach Friedgen will join Elliott in the Morning (101.1 FM) just after the 7:00 a.m. hour next Monday, August 29, as the Terps start game week for the first time in 2005.
