2006 Football Outlook, Part V
7/27/2006 8:00:00 AM | Football
July 12, 2006
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The outlook series continues with its fifth of seven parts, today previewing the defense and defensive front of 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.
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).
DEFENSE
For the first time in five years, the defensive side of the ball had its share of difficulties last season. Though the scoring average was relatively low based on the help opposition was given from turnovers, Maryland's defense stumbled at crucial points in games last year, often when the Terps were trying to hold off the opposition or mount a comeback late in the contest.
On the other hand, the Terps were 19th nationally in pass defense and led the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, yielding just four TDs the entire season. That will be something to build on for first-year defensive coordinator Chris Cosh, a local product who has had his share of coaching at institutions known for producing a tough, attacking defense (Illinois, Michigan State, Kansas State). Cosh's style will not look drastically different from the successful, upfield style of that of his predecessor Gary Blackney, yet his in-your-face coaching approach and attention to every minute detail already has his players' attention.
Maryland returns every top defensive lineman this season, a slew of talented linebackers, and an improving group of defensive backs. On paper, the weaknesses are few and the expectation is a return to one of the nation's leading defensive units.
"I anticipate that we will be improved on defense this year," said Friedgen. "I don't think our philosophy has changed with Coach Cosh coming on - we still like to get after people. I have been pleased with what I have seen and look forward to seeing how things go when we crank things up."
Defensive Line
This year's defensive line will have at least one benefit that groups in previous years did not - all of its starters and key reserves return this year. Last year, DE Shawne Merriman left a year early for the NFL; the year before, DT Randy Starks did as well. This season, the hope is that continuity and the return of its top senior will help the unit take the next step.
At defensive tackle, senior Conrad Bolston returns after his finest season as a Terrapin. Bolston led the team in sacks (5.0) and was second in TFLs (5.5) from his spot on the interior last year, showing that he can fill a gap and get through one with equal proficiency. Bolston is strong, moves well, plays with great intensity and should be set for postseason honors if he continues on the track set last season. Behind him will be second-year player Travis Ivey who could be a Bolston-in-waiting and will likely benefit greatly from working behind the senior standout. Ivey has the ideal combination of size and athleticism, needing only to learn the finer points of playing the position to be an effective contributor. Omarr Savage one of two defensive ends who will move inside to get a look.
At nose tackle, juniors Carlos Feliciano and Dre Moore will do battle for the starting job. Feliciano is good against the run, playing with good leverage and is a steady force. Moore will look to get off to a start that matches the finishes he experienced in his first two seasons at Maryland. One of the strongest players on the team, he moves tremendously well and has the skills of an all-conference player. If he can get the "motor" running early and not let it stop, he could have a breakout year. Behind that duo will be Rob Armstrong, a player who returned from injury in the spring and played well at times. Also in the mix will be Mack Frost, the second end who will get a look inside.
The player who excited players as much as any in the offseason was defensive end Jeremy Navarre. Navarre has noticeably added weight to his frame, plays with intensity and continues to use his hands well, and looked simply like he will be a force in year two. A former wrestler, Navarre has the strength to deal with men larger than him yet is quick enough to get around them. Behind Navarre, Frost and Savage will be battling for playing time as will second-year player Deege Galt. Frost has shown flashes in his time with the Terps and hope is he will make those appearances more frequently. Same goes for Savage whose long arms help him in the pass rushing department.
"I would expect that we would be improved on the defensive line this year with the returnees and the progress of certain players," said Friedgen. "Jeremy Navarre's progress has been good to see and I hope a few other players at that position can help us out. Conrad Bolston had a good junior year and should be even better this season and at the nose. Dre Moore just needs to play at a high level every down. We know what we have in Feliciano so he will be challenged."
Outlook Schedule on UMterps.com: Offense/Quarterbacks Posted July 13 Tailbacks/Fullbacks Posted July 18 Wide Receivers/Tight Ends Posted July 20 Offensive Line Posted July 25 Defense/Defensive Line Today Linebackers Tuesday, August 1 Secondary/Specialists Thursday, August 3Other important dates: Start of Camp/Media Day Monday, August 7 Season Opener (W&M) 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).
