July 13, 2004
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The following is the third in a nine-part series previewing the 2004 University of Maryland football team. The Terrapins open fall practice on August 11th in preparation for their season opener against Northern Illinois at Byrd Stadium on September 4th.
Today's segment of the outlook for 2004 takes a quick look at the Terrapins' wide receivers, a unit that is one of the deepest and most talented on the team. Check back every Tuesday and Thursday in the month of July for a breakdown on each component of this year's team (a complete list of when each position's synopsis will be posted on umterps.com can be found at the bottom of this page), a squad ranked by most preseason publications in the top 25 nationally.
Wide Receiver
One benefit that this year's group of players vying for the starting quarterback role is that the eventual starter will have a deep, solid corps of experienced wide receivers. In addition, if the group can stay healthy, it seems to have the ability to make the big play and get down field more than any unit since Friedgen has been here. Of the 10 receivers who were here for testing in the spring, seven clocked at 4.5 or better in the 40-yard dash. As importantly, this year's group of receivers offer versatility and several can line up in different spots, giving the Terps added depth and flexibility.
At the "X," junior Derrick Fenner is a player who appears to have turned the corner and gives the team a complete receiver. Fenner has good hands, is a strong route runner and is a good blocker and, based on his ACC-best 27.8 yards per reception, has the speed to get deep. Fenner will be backed up by sophomore Drew Weatherly, a big target who runs well and appears to have made strides in his route running and in polishing his skills as a receiver. Third-year player Paschal Abiamiri - who has performed well in each of the past two springs - also has a shot at playing time.
A trio of experienced players are at the "Z" (flanker) spot as two-time first team All-ACC selection Steve Suter, and juniors Dan Melendez and Jo Jo Walker give the Terps three playmakers who accounted for 61 receptions and 931 yards a year ago. Suter missed a good portion of spring but looks like he will be much healthier than in 2003, a season that still saw him finish second on the team in receiving and providing several memorable plays in the Gator Bowl. Though he will line up at flanker, he can play any one of the three spots. Melendez injured his foot toward the end of spring but appears to be coming on while Walker moves outside after spending his first two years in the slot, but can move back inside to give the offense flexibility if needed. Walker's play improved in the second half of last year and continued to look good in the spring.
"Two guys who I think had really good offseasons were Derrick Fenner and Jo Jo Walker," said Friedgen. "We played Jo Jo at 'Z' all spring and that should really help us with our depth there. He is a big play guy with good speed and it really helps us when he is on the field."
Senior Rich Parson was described by Friedgen on numerous occasions last year as the team's most consistent receiver and he will be at the top of the list of slot receivers in 2004. He is another player Friedgen has been excited about based on his offseason work and gives the Terps a complete player in terms of speed, pass catching and blocking. Behind Parson will be Curtis Williams, a senior who has played three positions in his time at Maryland, but now has coaches convinced that they have the playmaker where he belongs.
"The thing I like about our receivers is they play multiple positions," said Friedgen. "So where we are going to get some of our depth is very much like where we got it on the offensive line two years ago because they are able to move and play different positions. Potentially, this group has a chance to do some things that we haven't had here. That really jumped out the first few days of spring, before we had some injuries."
Outlook Schedule on UMterps.com:
Offense/Quarterbacks Posted July 6
Tailbacks/Fullbacks Posted July 8
Wide Receivers Today
Tight Ends Thursday, July 15
Offensive Line Tuesday, July 20
Defense/Defensive Line Thursday, July 22
Linebackers Tuesday, July 27
Defensive Backs Thursday, July 29
Specialists Tuesday, August 3
For season ticket information, please call the Terrapin Ticket Office at (301) 314-7070 or (800) 462-TERP (8377).
