Preseason Football Camp Log: Day Nine
8/19/2009 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 19, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - After Tuesday afternoon's practice turned into an evening session due to a couple of rain delays, the Maryland Terrapins were back on the football field Wednesday morning for the first of two workouts scheduled for the day.
Practice was originally scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, but was delayed until 6:30 p.m. due to some threatening storms in the College Park area. When the Terps returned to the field for the second shot at practicing, they were again forced to head indoors with more lightning in the area. After another delay, they were finally able to get the practice in, finishing up around 9 p.m.
"We had a good, tough practice today," said head coach Ralph Friedgen. "It was tough because we went late last night, then we got up this morning. It was hot and humid. We forced them to push themselves out of their comfort zone. Some did it and some didn't."
Despite the short rest, heat and humidity, several players that have stood out in practice so far continued to impress.
"A couple guys really stand out right now," Friedgen said. "Chris Turner - he's really doing a great job of seeing things, setting the defense, using his cadence, making decisions. I'm very pleased with how he's playing. Kenny Tate is having a sensational camp. He's all over the place. He's intercepting passes, he's sacking guys. (Defensive coordinator Don) Brown's got him blitzing, covering. Every time you look up, he's making a play. You saw that in the scrimmage the other day."
Friedgen like the development the team has made through 11 preseason workouts.
"I think we're getting better," Friedgen said. "We're a long way from where we need to be, but I'm seeing progress."
Now a week and a half in to fall camp, Friedgen is starting to see separation at some positions, while others remain a wait-and-see situation. Parts of the offensive line remain a question, Friedgen said, but the coaching staff is remaining patient with a group that is talented but very young.
"We have (three) redshirt freshmen (Justin Lewis, R.J. Dill and Justin Gilbert) and two regular freshmen (Pete White and Bennett Fulper) and then Maurice Hampton, he's a redshirt sophomore," Friedgen said. "They're very, very young. We knew going in, it is what it is. You just have to be patient and keep working them and keep encouraging them."
Starters at both guard positions and right tackle position need to be determined. Right now, Tyler Bowen, R.J. Dill and Paul Pinegar are battling it out at right tackle. With Bowen being limited at times, Dill and Pinegar are getting the majority of the snaps.
"We've limited Bowen's work because of his foot," Friedgen said. "But we knew that going in. He didn't practice today either, so Dill and Pinegar are kind of battling it out. Bowen did a good job in the scrimmage Saturday."
The Terps made some adjustments at guard earlier this week, with Lamar Young and Andrew Gonnella assuming the No. 1 spots at the left and right side, respectively.
"The guard situation has gotten a little better," Friedgen said. "I see them improving."
The Terps will return to the practice field at 5:30 p.m. and are off until 3:50 p.m. Thursday.
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: Before Tuesday's practice was delayed for the second time, Mike Barbour hit six straight field goals. The redshirt freshman was good on tries from 27, 29, 32, 34, 35 and 37 yards ... a couple of players stood out in pass rushing drills Wednesday. Jared Harrell bulldozed through the line on several plays, while freshman Justin Anderson received praise from the coaches for his technique and effort ... at right tackle, R.J. Dill was impressive when attacking the defensive linemen, showing good strength and stamina ... Jamari McCollough and Michael Carter each had an interception during the two-minute drill which ended the morning practice. McCollough picked off Chris Turner and Carter intercepted Jamarr Robinson ... Adrian Cannon is becoming one of the Terps' top playmakers. He is showing a consistent ability to exploit seams in the defense and has the elusiveness after the catch to escape tacklers. On Wednesday he had several catches over the middle and a diving TD reception in the corner of the end zone during 11-on-11. Friedgen has been very impressed with his production, noting "Adrian Cannon is far and above all the receivers. He makes a lot of plays. He's a big, strong, physical kid." ... a few players, including Nolan Carroll, Terrell Skinner and Alex Wujciak, missed Wednesday's morning practice due to class ... former Terp Eric Ogbogu, as well as members of the McLean Mustangs youth football team, visited Wednesday's morning practice.
