COLLEGE PARK, Md. - After a mock scrimmage Thursday that saw the offense be more productive in the passing game, the Terps returned to the practice field Friday morning to continue to fine-tune all aspects of their game.

The session was the first of two scheduled for the day and the seventh this week, so players were understandably tired and sore.

"Today, we went out and we did some good things," said head coach Ralph Friedgen after the morning workout. "I think we were tired. I still think we pushed our way through it. I started a period over a couple times to kind of wake them up a little bit. Hopefully we'll get some rest and come back and have a pretty good practice this afternoon, and then have a good walk-through tomorrow and a good scrimmage."

While the running game struggled (due mostly to no tackling) during Thursday's 75-play mock scrimmage, the passing game looked much better, with Chris Turner and Jamarr Robinson taking nearly all of the snaps. The first- and second-string quarterbacks were a combined 25-of-41 for 330 yards and three touchdowns.

The defense also continued to impress, racking up seven sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. First-year defensive coordinator Don Brown has been able to install his new scheme quickly and successfully, and Friedgen has taken notice.

"I think we have a chance to be pretty good on defense," said Friedgen. "We have a lot of guys that run pretty well. Speed is tough, but I'm amazed that they haven't made many mistakes within the scheme. You don't ever know where they are - they're lined up one way, they're coming down the other way. It's got some stuff. The kids are playing with a lot of enthusiasm. I think people are going to be excited."

While the defense has been consistent, they have been seeing the same offense for 11 days, so Friday Friedgen mixed up the play-calling. The offense used a couple of new looks, including the option, to try and throw off defense.

A number of defensive veterans have had impressive camps thus far, including seniors Nolan Carroll and Jamari McCollough, as well as junior Alex Wujciak. Friedgen noted he has seen a few others who are continuing to develop into impact players.

"The guy that's come on and has improved quite a bit that I think is going to help us is Carl Russell," Friedgen said of the redshirt freshman. "He's playing pretty good at defensive end. He's another big body, a tall guy that knocks some passes down. And Deege Galt is playing very hard every down. He's just an effort kid. Adrian Moten is another on defense (that has stood out)."

The team will work out at 5:25 p.m. Friday at the on-campus practice facility and hold its second scrimmage of the preseason at 5:25 p.m. Saturday in the stadium.

Preseason practices and scrimmages are closed to the general public, but open to members of the Maryland Gridiron Network (MGN) and Terrapin Club. Members of those two groups who plan on attending the scrimmage can enter the stadium through Gate K, which is located on Field House drive, near the Union Lane Garage. Parking is available in Lot 1.

Terps Notes

Practice Tidbits: The first half of Friday's morning practice was spent on positional work, while the second half featured 11-on-11, focused around the first and second team ... Adrian Cannon is continuing to be the most consistent receiver for the Terps. At 6-foot-2, Cannon doesn't have exceptional height, but has proven he has the ability to rise above the defender and make tough catches in traffic ... the offensive line is improving. During 11-on-11 they received the praise of the coaches several times after creating good running lanes for All-ACC running back Da'Rel Scott. Friedgen today said he was impressed with two offensive linemen in particular. "Danny Edwards has played very well during two-a-days. We put him with the first team and he's held up pretty good. Bennett Fulper is stepping up, so we're trying to see if we can get him to be a player sometime this year."