Aug. 30, 2012

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GAMEDAY CENTRAL

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland football team completed its final practice before the season opener against William & Mary with a 90-minute workout Thursday afternoon.

Just meetings and walk-throughs remain before the Terrapins face off against the Tribe at 3 p.m. Saturday from Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium.

Maryland will be starting a pair of true freshman behind the offensive line, as head coach Randy Edsall announced earlier in the day that Brandon Ross is out for the game and Albert Reid will start in his place.

"Albert's going to start but all three guys will be able to play," Edsall said. "We've got roles for the guys, but Albert will start. Justus [Pickett] has his role and then Wes [Brown] will be ready to go as well."

Quarterback Perry Hills will direct the offense and is set to become the first freshman to start a season opener for Maryland since Calvin McCall in 1999. Still, Maryland will have veterans around them, including fifth-year senior offensive lineman Justin Gilbert.

"We're excited about [the season opener]," Gilbert said. "You go the whole year -- winter workouts, spring ball, summer workouts, camp and then finally you see all that work comes together. I know a bunch of us were walking out there the other day and saw they put all the season ticket seats in the stadium, and that's when it really hits you. This is it. All the hard work you've done is about to pay off in that first game."

In addition to Gilbert, two-year starter Bennett Fulper will help man the line at left guard, and fellow seniors Kevin Dorsey and Kerry Boykins are reliable playmakers at wide receiver. Preseason All-ACC selection Matt Furstenburg, meanwhile, will look to build on an impressive junior season.

The defense, meanwhile, will feature six returning starters in the season opener, highlighted by 2011 All-American Joe Vellano and linebackers Demetrius Hartsfield and Darin Drakeford.

Terp Notes:

Scout Team Players of the Week: Each Thursday during the season Edsall will announce the scout team players of the week. This week's scout team players of the week are wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo (offense), defensive back Rashid Conteh (defense) and tight end Brian McMahon (special teams).

Flag Bearers: Justin Gilbert (American) and A.J. Francis (Maryland) will carry out the flags during Saturday's introductions.

Heat Advisory: Due to the rising heat index anticipated for Saturday's regular season home opener, Maryland athletics will allow fans to bring in sealed bottled water to the game. In addition, Maryland athletics will provide the following services throughout Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium. If you are experiencing any heat-related issues, please see a member of our Guest Relations staff for assistance.

• Cool Zone located on the concourse level
• First Aid located at the west and south entrances of the stadium
• 75 water foundations located throughout the stadium

Terp Town: After a successful first season, "Terp Town" will continue to be a big part of the excitement surrounding Maryland Football game days. The event, presented by Capital One Bank and coordinated by the University of Maryland Alumni Association and Intercollegiate Athletics, includes live musical performances, several food vendors and food trucks, street teams roaming the parking lots and a new express shuttle service providing convenient transportation from the Comcast Center parking lots to Terp Town. The action will begin at noon this Saturday (three hours prior to kickoff). For more information, click here.