Spring Football Practice Report #13
April 21, 2004
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - As several of Maryland's spring Olympic sports boarded buses for their respective conference tournaments, the Terrapin football team continued its trek toward its annual spring rite of passage, Saturday's annual Red/White Game. The Terps got back at it Wednesday and had a good enough practice that head coach Ralph Friedgen had the team "thud" in the two-minute drill that ended today's session.
The phrase "thud" might not always take on the best connotation, but when it comes to the Terps and practice today, it was. Friedgen was so pleased with the team's efforts that he told them not to tackle in the two-minute drill, just stop the opponent with your body or "thud."
Friedgen told the media after today's practice that he continues to be pleased with his team's progress. One area of concern he has had his eye on, outside linebacker, was a spot he focused on in his post-practice session with area writers.
"We are hoping some freshmen will come in during fall camp and give us depth in a few positions," said Friedgen. "But it is hard to guarantee that. The LEO position is one where we are thin and at SAM we have a pair of walk-ons in David Holloway and Jeris Smith who have worked very hard for us, but it is still a concern. They are fighting it out for the first team job leaving spring and they both have played very well for us. Jeris, for example, could even move over and play some LEO if he had to. So we have been pleased with their effort this spring."
Some other notables from Wednesday:
Final Regular Practice Tomorrow
Tomorrow's 4:00 p.m. practice session will be the Terps' 14th and final "regular" practice of spring 2004. The team will take Friday off before Saturday's 4:00 p.m. Spring Game while the coaching staff and some administration will take part in the annual golf outing at the university course on Friday.
