2006 Football Outlook, Part II
7/18/2006 8:00:00 AM | Football
July 12, 2006
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The following is the second in a seven-part series previewing the 2006 University of Maryland football team. The Terrapins open fall practice on August 7th in preparation for their season opener against William & Mary at Byrd Stadium on September 2nd.
Today's portion of the outlook for 2006 focuses on Maryland's tailbacks and fullbacks. Check back every Tuesday and Thursday leading up to the Terrapins' August 7th Media Day for a breakdown on each component of this year's team (a complete list of when each position's synopsis will be posted on UMTerps.com can be found at the bottom of this page).
Tailback
In 2005, the Terps entered a season for the first time in nearly a decade without a clear-cut starting tailback. A year later, the situation could not be more different.
Not only does the team return a player who looked like an emerging star at the end of last season in second team All-ACC back Lance Ball, but it also returns its top breakaway threat since 2002 in senior Josh Allen. Ball - the ACC's leading returning rusher (903 yards, 4.8 avg. in '05) -- is not yet the home run hitter Allen has been in his career, but the package he possesses lacks little else. He has great balance, quick feet, sees the hole well and is a good pass catcher. The objective for Allen in the spring was to take it slow and not get hurt but by the end of the session, the senior - who missed all of last season with a knee injury - was healthy, regaining his old speed and champing at the bit. In short, the top of the Terrapins' depth chart looks to be in more than capable hands.
The possible contributions, however, do not end with the top two backs. Senior J.P. Humber looked like a downhill runner in the spring, putting himself next in line for playing time. His main competition will come from junior Keon Lattimore, a back who performed well last year but still seems to have untapped physical potential. Rounding out the group will be first-year players Morgan Green and Da'Rel Scott. Green showed in spring that he still has some learning to do while coaches are excited to see if the speedy Scott can adjust to life at the collegiate level.
"I am anxious to see the progress of Josh Allen and what he can bring back to our offense," said Friedgen. "If he can give us the breakaway threat that he gave us in the past and you add that to a Lance (Ball), who I think will only continue to improve, I think we can be pretty good. Behind them, J.P. Humber showed us in the spring that we will have a real good battle between he and Lattimore and you throw a couple of the young guys in the mix and we are pretty deep and talented."
Fullback
Leading the way for the Terp tailbacks will be a group whose main objective will be to add depth. Junior Tim Cesa has settled in at the position to the point where "converted linebacker" will likely no longer be required in front of his name. Cesa is an aggressive blocking back who began learning the finer points of the position last year and has clearly found a home.
The team's depth was depleted somewhat last year, but 2005 newcomer Chris Gronkowski - one of the strongest players on the team pound-for-pound - looks like he will be able to step in and give some solid support. Newcomer Cory Jackson will also get a good look and have a shot to play. The Morgantown, W.Va., native could bring a running threat to the position.
Friedgen has hinted that first-year center Evan Eastburn could also get a look in goal line situations and the Terp H-backs can also factor in when splitting up the repetitions.
"It is clear that Tim Cesa is developing into a good fullback," said Friedgen. "What we need is for some of the young kids like Gronkowski or Cory Jackson to come on and give us some help there. We could also get some help there from the H-back position from a player like (Jason) Goode or Drew Gloster."
Outlook Schedule on UMterps.com: Offense/Quarterbacks Posted July 13 Tailbacks/Fullbacks Tuesday, July 18 Wide Receivers/Tight Ends Thursday, July 20 Offensive Line Tuesday, July 25 Defense/Defensive Line Thursday, July 27 Linebackers Tuesday, August 1 Secondary/Specialists Thursday, August 3Other important dates: ACC Media Kickoff July 22-24 Start of Camp/Media Day Monday, August 7 Season Opener Saturday, September 2 ACC Opener (at Ga. Tech) Saturday, October 7
For season ticket information, please call the Terrapin Ticket Office at (301) 314-7070 or (800) IMA-TERP (8377).
