COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium's bleachers rise in the distance from the practice field, providing the University of Maryland football team a constant reminder of what lies ahead as it continues preparation for the rapidly-approaching 2008 campaign.

As the Terrapins held their 20th practice of preseason camp Wednesday morning, their home opener against Delaware on Aug. 30 looms less than a dozen days away. The days of practicing basic football fundamentals have been replaced with fine-tuning skills and honing in on specific areas of need.

"Offensively, I think we're getting very sharp in our passing game," head coach Ralph Friedgen said. "We're making improvement on our protection, especially our first team. I'm concerned with our running game. I don't think we're where we need to be, and we need to find a way to get better.

"Defensively, I think we're ahead on our pressure game. I'm a little concerned with where we are in our pursuit angles. We're giving up too many big plays right now, and we need to get that corrected."

Players worked on positional skills during early portions of Wednesday's practice, with running backs taking handoffs and tight ends pushing a sled. Across the field, linemen partipated in one-on-one drills geared to improve pass rushing and protection. Offensive linemen Phil Costa and Dane Randolph emerged victorious in their individual battles, while defensive linemen Jeremy Navarre and Deege Galt managed to record sacks.

The full-team portion of practice saw preseason All-America wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey tally big play after big play. The junior from Silver Spring, Md., had catch and runs for 45 and 35 yards on passes from quarterback Jordan Steffy. Heyward-Bey also took a reverse and streaked down field for 50 yards.

As for the defense, true freshman Cameron Chism recovered a fumble and fellow defensive back Jamari McCollough, who recently returned to practice after being sidelined with an injury, provided a big hit in coverage to break up a pass.

Emphasis on special teams continued for the Terps Wednesday morning, as the team engaged in various kickoff and punt coverage drills. Wide receiver Danny Oquendo and defensive backs Anthony Wiseman and Kenny Tate fielded punts, while Tate, defensive back Trenton Hughes and wideout Torrey Smith returned kickoffs.

"The kicking game, I think we're starting to get better (there)," Friedgen said. "Travis Baltz is starting to get more consistent. Obi Egekeze has been more consistent the last two scrimmages. We have three guys to catch punts, and all are doing very well."

The Terps completed their final two-a-day session Wednesday evening, and the coaching staff has begun tapering the practice workload as preseason camp winds down. A regular game-week schedule commences Monday.

Friedgen commended the players for their hard work during camp, citing that the team only had one subpar practice thus far.

"I'm not disappointed with where we're at - I think our attitude is very good," Friedgen said. "I'm anxious to get their legs all the way back. I thought yesterday I saw a little more burst in (running backs) Da'Rel Scott and Davin Meggett, and that's a good sign."

On the quarterback front, Friedgen announced Wednesday afternoon that Chris Turner will remain with the Terps. The junior had contemplated a transfer after Steffy was named the starter for next week's season opener.

"I'm happy he's going to remain a part of our program," Friedgen said Wednesday evening. "I think a lot of Chris and hope he'll continue to be a vital part of the team."

Friedgen thought Turner, who is No. 2 on the depth chart, and Steffy practiced well this week.

"Since this decision, (Turner's) had his best practices, which kind of shows me something about the kid," Friedgen said after Wednesday's first workout. "If he was going to go into the tank, he would've, but he hasn't. Not that Jordan (Steffy) hasn't practiced well, but [Turner's] pass percentage has been in the 70s and Jordan has been in the high 60s [during practice this week]. It's a pretty good situation for us right now."

Friedgen also announced that Thursday's third and final scrimmage has been canceled. The team will hold a regular practice session.

"I'd like to scrimmage tomorrow, but I don't see anyway possible we can to that (with the injuries)," Friedgen said. "I'm happy we did the thud scrimmage (last Thursday)."

After the morning practice session Friedgen noted that backup safety Drew Robinson, who injured his shoulder Tuesday, is likely out of action for four weeks. Sophomore running back Morgan Green returned to the lineup Wednesday. He's been out of action close to two weeks.

Practices are closed to the public.

Terp Notes

Football Tickets on Sale: Season tickets for this fall's seven-game home slate start as low as $189 and are on sale through the Maryland Athletics Ticket Office. Single-game tickets went on sale last week. To purchase season or single-game tickets, call 1-800-IM-A-TERP or click here. The Terps open the season on Saturday, Aug. 30 (3:45 p.m.) when they play host to Delaware.