COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland football team spent time speaking about its hopes for the upcoming season then took to the practice field to begin the long process necessary to achieve such aspirations.

It was all in a busy day's work for the Terrapins during Monday's inauguration of the 2008 preseason. The players and coaching staff partook in the annual Media Day event before hitting the practice field for the first of 24 preseason workouts.

Head coach Ralph Friedgen, prepping for his eighth season at the helm, liked what he saw from his team during the initial practice, particularly under center, where a top priority for the Terps remains solidifying its offensive field general.

"I thought we looked much more comfortable at quarterback," Friedgen said. "I thought our decision-making was better, and I thought we got rid of the ball better. I thought I saw improvement out of all three of them."

The members of that signal-calling trio - junior Chris Turner, senior Jordan Steffy and junior Josh Portis - each had their moments during Monday's practice.

All three demonstrated progress since spring ball, whether it was Turner connecting with senior wide receiver Isaiah Williams near the sideline or Steffy hitting junior wideout Darrius Heyward-Bey on a slant pattern or Portis finding tight end Lansford Watson over the middle in between several defenders.

"I was pleased that our quarterbacks were sharper because I was concerned in the spring game that we were holding the ball a lot," Friedgen said. "But they looked like they were a little more comfortable with things today."

Like the quarterbacks, the rest of the team had a strong first day under the August sun, practicing in helmets and shorts with the aid of fresh legs. The afternoon workout lasted approximately two hours, as the team installed various plays, worked on positional skills and practiced special teams.

Friedgen and his staff ran two team drills simultaneously to increase player repetitions - a strategy the team intends to continue the rest of the week as a benefit to the younger players.

Defensively, redshirt freshman defensive back Trenton Hughes and Michael Carter, a sophomore, accounted for the play of the day. Hughes intercepted a pass during a team drill and returned it along the sideline, ultimately flipping a lateral pass to Carter, who proceeded to pick up additional return yards.

The team will continue to practice wearing helmets and shells the next two days before adorning shoulder pads Thursday in preparation for the first scrimmage, to be held Saturday evening at Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium.

All practice and scrimmages are closed to the public.

Terp Notes

Not in Camp: Friedgen announced at Monday's news conference that three players listed on the preseason two-deep will not be in camp due to various injuries, WR Kevin Dorsey (foot), DL Joe Vellano (shoulder) and OL Tyler Bowen (foot) are not among the 105 players who practiced Monday. Bowen and Vellano will join the team when school begins next month, while Dorsey may have surgery.

Switching Positions: Freshman Kenny Tate, a highly regarded local recruit, has moved from wide receiver to defensive back. Tate is expected to compete for time at strong safety. He played both wideout and safety during high school. The switch may not be permanent, but helps the Terps add depth. Receiver is among the Terps' deepest spots with the top three wideouts back from a year ago and a number of young, talented players waiting in the wings.

Fridge TV: Fans can stay updated on the Terps during the preseason and regular season on Fridge TV. Click on the Friedgen's Forecasts button to get the head coach's take on the 2008 season. Also, click on Real Terps and then Players Arrive to hear what the veterans had to say Sunday during check-in.

Terp Bites: Check out video from Monday's Media Day in Maryland All-Access. Go to the football page and then press conferences to visit the links. The player interviews can also be downloaded from Terrapins Podcasting .

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 Monday. To purchase season or single-game tickets, call 1-800-IM-A-TERP or click here.