Spring Football Practice Report No. 1

April 3, 2006

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The following are reports from the University of Maryland practice fields from April 1st and 2nd, the first days of Spring 2006 for the Terps. Reports will be filed every Monday and Thursday afternoons as the Terrapins progress toward the annual Red/White game on April 29th (3:00 p.m.).

Saturday, April 1

The Terps kicked off the 2006 spring campaign in front of a healthy group of fans and donning helmets and shoulder pads. Those in attendance were treated to the first of two good weather days at the practice fields, a drastic change from the cold that dominated nearly all of last spring.

Head coach Ralph Friedgen began the return to his coaching roots as he worked with the team's quarterbacks and overseeing the offense. Once a fixture all over the practice fields, his red golf cart was getting a lot less use. Said Friedgen: "I have to be organized. I am not just preparing the quarterbacks...I am preparing the whole team."

New defensive coordinator Chris Cosh was fired up and very active in conditioning drills with his group.

The offense and defense spent a lot of time in position and one-on-one drills in the practice, ending with a little work in team periods.

The team's second year receivers stood out on the offensive side of the ball. Florida native Nolan Carroll had an outstanding diving catch in one-on-one drills. Isaiah Williams made a nice play early in team drills as he tipped a ball to himself that he eventually pulled in one-handed on the left sideline. Finally, former high school quarterback Terrell Skinner had a leaping grab alond the sideline on a throw from Jordan Steffy.

LB Jeff Clement intercepted a Steffy pass later in the session as he came up with a ball tipped at the line by Mack Frost.

Friedgen on Practice #1: "Some things we are very rusty on and some things we looked young on, but overall I think it was a good day of practice. I thought Jordan (Steffy) had a good day. He made a few mistakes but was much improved from a mental aspect over last year."

Sunday, April 2

The Terps could not have drawn up a better day for their second practice in as many days in helmets and shoulder pads. It was sunny and mild as the Terps took the field in the afternoon on Day 2.

The offense and defense each worked again in a number of individual and one-on-one situations before going into some "install" periods. Special teams also got some work as Adam Podlesh punted against a rush to players vying for the punt returns roll while a pair of "gunners" charged to put pressuer on the player receiving the punt.

CB Isaiah Gardner made a few big plays on the day. Working as the starter opposite Josh Wilson, Gardner broke quickly to bat a pass down in skelly before nearly picking off a pass later in team drills.

Safety J.J. Justice did come up with an interception as he leapt to pick off a Bobby Sheahin pass to the delight of his defensive teammates.

Newcomer Josh Portis found Nolan Carroll with a 45-yard pass in his first pass of the day in team drills. Carroll did a nice job adjusting to the slightly underthrown ball in making the grab.

Friedgen on the team's work in Day Two: "Our enthusiasm and energy have been good. Our wide receivers showed me that they will do what they need to do today. Several of them were nicked up a little but pushed their way through it."

Dates to Remember

April 15 -- Scrimmage #1 (10:00 a.m.)

April 22 -- Scrimmage #2 (2:45 p.m.)

April 29 -- Annual Red/White Game (3:00 p.m.)

May 7 -- Maryland Football Gala

September 2 -- Season opener vs. William & Mary (6:00 p.m.)

For updated practice schedules and information on other Maryland football events, visit the Maryland Gridiron Network website.

Players Mentioned

Nolan Carroll

Jeff Clement

Mack Frost

Isaiah Gardner

J.J. Justice

Josh Portis

Bobby Sheahin

Terrell Skinner

Jordan Steffy

Isaiah Williams

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