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:
Friedgen met with the media at 1:00 p.m., holding what could best be described as a spring "wrap-up" press conference. The team's new dining hall has proven to be an excellent facility for press conferences and will be used next season for postgame press conferences.
Domonique Foxworth has been exactly what the team was looking for this spring -- a leader. Foxworth continues to play well and has shown enough versatility that when the team puts opponents in obvious passing situations in 2004, Foxworth is versatile enough to take over the nickel position if he doesn't man his normal field corner spot.
Good news came today in the return of LB D'Qwell Jackson and DT Justin Duffie to the practice field. Jackson's hamstring held up well in workouts while Duffie has been tough all spring trying to overcome a chronic condition that is day-to-day.
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.
