Maryland Preseason Football Camp Log: Day Five
8/8/2008 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 8, 2008
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Practice was starting to wind down Friday evening when head coach Ralph Friedgen gathered the members of the Maryland football team together to partake in one of the game's most famous - and thoroughly entertaining - drills.
The coaching staff quickly roped off a small portion of the practice field as Friedgen shouted out offensive and defensive matchups and players prepared themselves mentally. Sure enough, the team proceeded to conduct the famed `Oklahoma Drill', the ultimate mano-a-mano test of football strength and willpower.
Three offensive players, a quarterback and a running back lined up across from three defensive counterparts to compete in the drill developed by legendary University of Oklahoma football coach Bud Wilkinson. Pitting offensive linemen against defensive linemen, fullback and tight ends against linebackers, and wide receivers against defensive backs, the drill forced ball carriers to invite contact as they attempted to hit holes and gain yardage.
In a change from recent practice trends, the offense outshined the defense during the Oklahoma Drill, winning all but one of the series behind strong blocking for running backs Da'Rel Scott, Rashad Henry, Dan Bonato, Davin Meggett and Gary Douglas, as well as fullback Cory Jackson.
The offensive success came despite impressive individual performances from defensive linemen A.J. Francis and Masengo Kabongo and defensive back Kenny Tate, each a true freshman who registered multiple tackles during the drill.
The Oklahoma Drill marked the climax of the preseason's fifth practice that featured noteworthy individual performances, yet also demonstrated that fatigue has set in among the players, having dressed in full pads for the first time.
"Overall I'm not disappointed - I'm encouraged," Friedgen said. "I think our kids have a very good attitude. I think the work ethic has been very good, and I think the camaraderie has been very good. They're like all of us, they're tired right now."
Earlier portions of practice featured quarterbacks working on accuracy by throwing at netted targets, linebackers striving to improve run defense by practicing shedding blockers quicker and wideouts going one-on-one against defensive backs in a long-ball receiving drill.
As has been the case in previous practices, the defense often bested their white-clad opponents during the full-team drills. Defensive lineman Jeremy Navarre and linebacker Chase Bullock combined for a sack, while defensive back Terrell Skinner got to the quarterback on a safety blitz. Dave Philistin forced a fumble during a tackle-for-loss that was recovered by fellow linebacker Ben Pooler.
Still, several offensive players also made significant contributions during full-team practice, most notably the wide receivers. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Danny Oquendo and Ronnie Tyler each caught passes exceeding 35 yards, with Tyler's coming on a 50-yard catch-and-run courtesy of fourth-string quarterback Jamarr Robinson. Fellow wideout Webb Dulin, a redshirt freshman, also made a pair of acrobatic receptions.
The team returns to the practice field Saturday morning for its final workout leading up to Saturday evening's scrimmage.
"Right know I have it scheduled for between 35 and 40 plays for all groups [during the scrimmage], but I might cut it short," Friedgen said. "We'll see where they're at. If I think they're really worn out, I'll cut it short."
All practices and scrimmages are closed to the public.
Terp Notes:
Practice Tidbits: True freshmen generally struggle during the early portion of preseason camp, but Ralph Friedgen singled out three first-year players after Friday's practice. Defensive linemen A.J. Francis and Masengo Kabongo each showed some toughness in the Oklahoma drill and "caught the eye" of Friedgen. The eighth-year head coach also praised Davin Meggett, saying "with what we've thrown at him, he's got more right than wrong," especially in pass protection, normally the toughest transition for a running back ... Friedgen is also pleased with the progress sophomore running back Da'Rel Scott who has "played with effort and toughness" and been impressive in pass protection ... one of a number players in fight to retain his spot on the depth chart is senior Isaiah Williams, but it's not for a lack of talent or effort. He has quite a bit of competition at the one of the Terps' deepest positions - wide receiver. Williams, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Danny Oquendo are atop the depth chart for the second straight season at X, Z and slot receiver, respectively. However, redshirt freshman Torrey Smith, LaQuan Williams and Adrian Cannon are all right behind Isaiah Williams. "He's playing as good as he's ever played," Friedgen said of Isaiah Williams. "I'm very pleased with him. He's doing it the right way." Smith was a standout in the spring, and LaQuan Williams and Cannon saw significant action last season.
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.
