Preseason Football Camp Log: Day Five
8/14/2009 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland Terrapins geared up for their first scrimmage of the preseason by donning full pads for the first time this preseason during Friday's workout.
The workout was the fifth of the preseason for the Terps, but first in full pads. Saturday will feature the first two-a-day session. The team has a light practice scheduled for the morning before holding their first scrimmage in the evening.
"We had a good practice today, with a lot of enthusiasm," head coach Ralph Friedgen said. "There was some good and bad on both sides. We are probably ahead of the game offensively throwing the ball and probably behind running the ball. Defensively, we're seeing a lot of stuff. The defense seems to be getting more turnovers and I like the way our linebackers are playing."
Senior quarterback Chris Turner continued to excel and is shaping up to be the type of experienced, skilled and knowledgeable signal-caller that is vital to a team's success. Friedgen has been very pleased with Turner, and has also seen positives out of backup Jamarr Robinson.
"Chris has been very sharp," said Friedgen. "He is playing now like I expect him to play. He's very calm. He doesn't let the blitz affect him. He's using his cadence well. I see him doing the little things. He's helping everybody out around him. He's comfortable with the offense. James (Franklin) has done a very good job with him. I think it's a good example for Jamarr (Robinson) to see him and then learn from him. Jamarr is throwing the ball well. He's just missing some reads."
Turner's ability to make his reads quickly has enabled the offense to make a variety of plays, especially when going to receivers underneath the defense. Friedgen said he thinks the running backs are doing a much better job of picking up the blitz in passing situations, but that the offensive line needed to improve its run blocking, something the team will focus on during Saturday's scrimmage.
Friedgen expects the first and second teamers to be on the field for about 35-40 plays and the third and fourth teams to get in 25-35 plays. The first teamers will go against each other as well facing the second team. The same goes for the third and fourth team players.
During the first of three preseason scrimmages, Friedgen is looking to see if any of the younger players stand out and can move onto the travel squad.
"My intention is see if there is anyone that can help us that we don't know about," Friedgen said.
Turner looks to have a talented receiving corps to throw to this season, but he'll also need an outlet receiver. With the departure of three-year starting tight end Dan Gronkowski to the NFL, the Terps are in search of a replacement.
Senior Tommy Galt and sophomore Lansford Watson each saw action last season and sit atop the depth chart, while Matt Furstenburg and Devonte Campbell are talented youngsters and penciled in at the F or H-back position.
"Devonte Campbell is much improved," Friedgen said. "So is (Matt) Furstenburg and so is Lansford Watson. I think Tommy is busting his butt right now. Tommy has really good hands. He's not the fastest of those kids, but he's really running hard to make up for it. Dave Stinebaugh has caught my eye. He's not the strongest kid, but he has very good leverage and hip roll. I haven't ruled him out figuring into the rotation. Ryan Schlothauer could also figure in."
Friedgen isn't sure who the starter will be, but likes his options at the position.
"I don't know if anyone has separated (from the group), but I think they've all improved," Friedgen said of the tight ends. "I'm anxious to see how they do in a game situation."
Saturday's first practice is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. and the scrimmage gets underway at 5:25 p.m. Both workouts will take place at the on-campus practice facility.
Preseason practices are closed to the general public, but open to members of the Maryland Gridiron Network (MGN) and Terrapin Club.
Terps Notes:
Practice Tidbits: Friday's practice was the first in full pads. Due to NCAA rules, teams must have an "acclimation period" of four practices before going in full pads ... Da'Rel Scott had a productive day. The junior running back was attacking the line and showing the ability to find the holes that made him one of the top running backs in the ACC last season. His best play of the day came on a screen pass: the pass was slightly overthrown, and Scott had to adjust and make a one-handed catch. He quickly set his feet, turned up field and barreled over a defender, going for a long gain on the play ... during 1-on-1 pass rush drills, Phil Costa, Obum Akunyili and freshman Darin Drakeford stood out. Costa is expected to be the anchor of a young, but talented offensive line. Akunyili is just a sophomore, but could see some time at defensive tackle. Drakeford, a linebacker, is behind a talented starting group at the position, but should provide great depth ... special teams coach Charles Bankins and graduate assistant Henry Baker have been working with a group of six players all week on punt returns. The eventual starter could come from a group that includes Tony Logan, Anthony Wiseman, Quintin McCree, Caleb Porzel, Dexter McDougle and Travis Hawkins. Logan is atop the depth chart after having a solid bowl game and spring practice. All have shown the ability to field the ball cleanly and make moves up field ... Friedgen has singled out a number of players this week, but Joe Vellano has been mentioned a number of times for his improvement since spring practice. Vellano is listed as backup to Travis Ivey at defensive tackle.
