COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Terps hit the practice field Monday hoping to build on the progress made in Sunday's 117-play scrimmage, the second of three that will be held this preseason.

The biggest improvement Sunday was the running game. Redshirt freshman Gary Douglas had a team-best 122 yards on 17 carries, while Morgan Green ran for 56 yards on 10 carries. The two are in a battle for the third-string running back position behind All-ACC returnee Da'Rel Scott and sophomore Davin Meggett.

"Right now I think (Gary is) right up there with Morgan," said head coach Ralph Friedgen after Monday's 90-minute practice. "He's giving Morgan everything he wants. I didn't think Morgan practiced poorly yesterday, I just though Gary practiced real well. His pass protection is good, he broke down once or twice on pickups, and so did Morgan. I thought Morgan was better yesterday than what he has been playing. It's competition. It's a good thing."

The coaching staff will have to make some tough decisions over the next week and a half in regard to who will travel with the team to California on Sept. 5 for the season opener vs. the No. 12-ranked Bears. With several positional battles still going, Friedgen noted an area that could potentially help the Terps.

"If (Nick) Ferrara could be the back-up punter, the kickoff guy and the back-up field goal guy, than that's one less guy you have to bring," said Friedgen. "That helps me at other positions. It adds an extra running back."

Friedgen noted that he is seeing more improvement out of the offensive line and that the younger linemen are developing well.

With Phil Costa holding down center, Friedgen has moved true freshman Bennett Fulper from center to right guard, where he will back up Justin Lewis.

Sophomore Tyler Bowen was able to practice Monday after missing time due to a foot injury. He's in a battle for the right tackle spot which is being manned by junior Paul Pinegar. Redshirt freshman R.J. Dill is currently Pinegar's backup.

Sophomore Andrew Gonnella has had a great camp and has impressed Friedgen with his work ethic.

"I'm really proud of the kid, to be honest with you," said Friedgen. "He's such a competitor. He works so darn hard and I think he'll continue to get better and better."

Friedgen and the staff feel comfortable with Gonnella at either guard position. After moving to right guard for about a week, Gonnella is back at left guard, with Maurice Hampton and Lamar Young serving as the reserves.

The Terps are back on the field early Tuesday. The team will practice at 9:25 a.m. and 5:35 p.m. 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: Anthony Wiseman, who has had a solid camp, continued to play well Monday. The senior had several good pass breakups and has the speed to stay tight on a receiver on a go-route ... one position that Friedgen has noted a certain level of concern for is tight end. While a decision has yet to be made about who will be first team, Lansford Watson has shown he has the hands to play the position. Watson made a great catch in traffic on Monday, absorbing contact and holding on for a sizeable gain ... a continuing theme in camp has been the depth at wide receiver. That was on display again Monday as Torrey Smith, Ronnie Tyler and Quintin McCree all made great catches ... with a young offensive line, fullback Cory Jackson's blocking ability will be a key to the Terps success. He displayed that skill Monday, picking up a sneaky corner blitz from Nolan Carroll that allowed for a long running play. "We're a lot better team when Cory is in there," said Friedgen.