COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Most collegiate football players contribute on a limited basis during their first season of action, but running back Da'Rel Scott made quite a splash for the Terrapins as a redshirt freshman in 2007. The freshman All-ACC selection by Rivals.com set Maryland rookie records for kickoff return yards (566) and all-purpose yards per play (18.5).

Heading into the 2008 season, Scott and fellow sophomore running back Morgan Green are expected to headline the Terrapins' ground game following the departure of Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore, who combined to rush for nearly 1,600 yards and 25 touchdowns last year. Scott has demonstrated signs of explosiveness on the football field and is looking forward to showcasing his rushing skills this season.

Scott recently sat down with umterps.com.

What did you learn from playing with former Maryland running backs Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore?

"I learned a lot of things. They helped me mature with my footsteps, with seeing the holes and just staying in the game. They helped me with being mentally ready because it's a big jump from high school to here."

What have you been up to this summer?

"Just working out. I'm trying to get my legs stronger. I've been taking classes, too. My anatomy class is killing me. This past summer session was pretty much all about my summer classes."

Walk us through your daily routine.

"I wake up, go to my lab for my anatomy class, work out, go back to anatomy class, then I have to work out again. I had to split up my workouts because of class, since it's pretty much two classes. It's four credits with the lab and the class."

How are workouts going this summer?

"They're going really well. I'm just trying to get better. I'm just working out with the team and trying to make them better as well."

Are there any games you are looking forward to in particular?

"All of them."

Would you say that the summer schedule is easier or harder than the fall schedule?

"I think it's harder now because it's a lot more aggressive now because we're trying to get better. During the season, we're maintaining."

How have things changed under the new offensive coordinator, James Franklin?

"Things are going really well. I have a good relationship with him because he recruited me when I was in high school. He's made a good amount of changes. The running style is different. I like this style a lot better because we run a lot of off-tackle stuff. Since I'm an outside running back, it's more my style."

Upcoming key dates:
Aug. 2 - Freshmen report to campus
Aug. 3 - Varsity reports to campus
Aug. 4 - Football preseason camp opens/Media Day
Aug. 30 - Season opener vs. Delaware

Terp Notes:

MGN Season Kickoff: The Maryland Gridiron Network (MGN) will hold its annual kickoff on Wednesday, July 30 at the Gossett Team House. Head coach Ralph Friedgen and the staff will give members a chalk talk and film session to preview the upcoming season. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and is open to active MGN members. Snacks and a cash bar will be available. To RSVP, please e-mail mdgridiron@gmail.com.

Chill with the Fridge: Terrapin football fans are invited to attend Caddies on Cordell in Bethesda, Md., on Thursday, July 31. Head coach Ralph Friedgen, as well as offensive coordinator James Franklin and defensive coordinator Chris Cosh, will be on hand to talk Terps football from 5-7 p.m. In addition to Maryland football, the night will include food and drink specials. The first 50 fans at Caddies on Cordell will receive a free T-shirt. E-mail any questions to mdgridiron@gmail.com. Click here for directions.