Preseason Football Practice Begins
8/9/2011 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 9, 2011
Post-Practice Interviews
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Randy Edsall hit the field for his first preseason practice as Maryland head football coach a little earlier than normal, but found it to be a usual opening session.
The Maryland football team, which has 12 offensive and defensive starters back from last season's 9-4 squad, worked out at the on-campus practice facility for approximately two hours Tuesday morning. The session was moved from the afternoon due to potential inclement weather.
As is the case for most teams at the first practice, the Terps made some miscues, but the coaches and players were excited to get the preseason underway.
"It was a typical first day," Edsall said. "It's great just to be back out here. I think they tried their best. It's so much more different for them to be out here running a practice with coaches. The tempo, the speed, the plays, we understand that they can't do it all on their own."
With the players in shorts, jerseys and helmets, Edsall and the staff concentrated on individual work and installation of the playbook during the first of 29 practices leading up to the season opener vs. Miami on Monday, Sept. 5.
"I think we got a lot accomplished [today] in terms of installing things but it's a starting point and we'll just take off from here," Edsall said.
Tuesday was the first time the coaching staff has been able to work directly with the players since spring practice ended in April.
According to Danny O'Brien, the 2010 Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year, the team did a lot of work on its own.
"I think we made a lot of progress this summer, especially in the passing game getting on the same page," O'Brien said. "I think we picked up right where we left off from this summer. I think the guys are getting used to the tempo and having the coaches there to push you a little bit and keeping things rolling on the horn."
The Terps will hit the field again Wednesday for practice, but won't don pads until Saturday.
Terp Notes:
Jefferson to Join Terps in January: Freshman defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson, a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., who signed a National Letter of Intent in February, will not be joining the team until January. "Quinton had a medical issue after he went back home [earlier this summer], so he's not going be coming until January," Edsall said after practice.
Single-Game Football Tickets On Sale: Season tickets for Maryland's seven-game schedule which includes contests vs. Miami, West Virginia, Clemson and Virginia, remain are on sale for as low as $130, but single-game tickets are now available through Maryland Athletics by calling 1-800-462-TERP or clicking here. In addition, three-game flex plans are available for as low as $84.
