April 22, 2004
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Thursday marked the University of Maryland's final regular practice of the 2004 spring session, and for the players and coaches, it may have been the longest. (Spring Game details at the bottom of this page).
The Terps were put through the paces in shells Thursday and head coach Ralph Friedgen made sure everything was executed properly. If it was not, the team started a period over. If it wasn't, practice stopped and players ran sprints. All in all, it was a good practice for the Terrapins, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but from the outside looking in, the team will be learning well beyond Saturday's 4:00 p.m. Spring Game.
For the first time this spring, Coach Friedgen was not available for comment after practice as he quickly made way to his office, cleaned up, headed to the College Park Airport and was flown by helicopter to a speaking engagement he was invited to by Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs.
Highlights from the 14th and final practice session included:
Though rigorous at times, the practice was a learning experience and somewhat of a dress rehearsal for Saturday's scrimmage.
Safety Milton Harris intercepted a Sam Hollenbach pass and made his way through traffic on what would have been a 55-yard return for a touchdown in team drills.
In the first two-minute drill that ended practice, slot receiver Rich Parson made two consecutive outstanding plays, first catching a ball in traffic and then holding on after the hit to move his team in scoring position. On the next play, Statham was flushed out of the pocket but found the senior receiver in the back of the end zone for a touchdown.
On the next drive, this one led by Hollenbach, TE Vernon Davis made a pair of nice plays to help the second unit move down field in the two-minute.
Spring Game Details
Where: Byrd Stadium, College Park, Md.
When: Saturday, April 24th, 4:00 p.m.
Gates Open: 12:30 p.m.
Team autograph session begins at 1:30 p.m. on the concourse.
Format: Four 12-minute quarters.
Giveaways: 2004 Maryland football t-shirts to the first 6,000 fans. Yard signs will also be available.
Team will unveil its new Under Armour uniforms at halftime.
