July 18, 2005
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The following is the fourth in a nine-part series previewing the 2005 University of Maryland football team. The Terrapins open fall camp on August 8th, preparing for this year's season opener against Navy at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on September 3rd.
Today's portion of the outlook for 2005 takes a look at the Terps' tight ends and h-backs, a versatile and deep group that will give the Maryland offense many options in '05. Check back every Tuesday and Thursday in the month of July (and the first week of August) for a breakdown on each component of this year's team (a complete list of when each position's outlook will be posted on UMTerps.com can be found at the bottom of this page).
Tight Ends & H-Backs
Maryland's group of tight ends are likely the deepest and most versatile group on the team and should end up being one of the most productive tight end units in the league. The Terps will have the ability to line up with as many as three tight ends and can do any one of a number of things out of such a set.
The tight ends will likely be used less this year in the H-back and wing role they became accustomed to last year and become more of the traditional tight end, though they will certainly split out and be able to form some four-wide type sets and other potential matchup problems. Sophomore Jason Goode will be the team's only true H-back.
Junior Vernon Davis and Goode return to give the team a versatile, athletic duo that can line up at tight end, in the slot or in the backfield if needed. But with the use of the more traditional, blocking fullback, both - and especially Davis -- are expected to use their speed and athleticism to help the Terps in the passing game more than anything. Davis led the team in receiving yards last year and will continue to improve as his knowledge of the offense progresses. He has become a complete player and should be one of the top players in the league at his position this year.
Senior Derek Miller returns to head a group of tight ends who will be counted on more for their blocking. Miller has worked hard in the offseason and could play a bigger role in the passing game while the progression of Joey Haynos, Dan Gronkowski and Brad Schell have pleased the coaching staff, making them viable options as well. All three players have size similar to Miller's (in the 6-6 to 6-8 range) and who will gain playing time of the three is a decision that will be determined in preseason camp.
"I think Vernon was much more productive for us as a blocker and receiver this past offseason," said Friedgen. Playing one position has really helped him. He is much more of a complete player. He is very quick off the ball, with real good strength and he should have a good year. Derek Miller is probably at his physical peak right now and obviously gives us another good blocker. And in Haynos, Gronkowski and Schell, we have three solid players who will have to distance themselves from the other to determine who that third tight end will be."
Goode would have been more involved a season ago but injury slowed his progress. Like Davis, he runs well and is a good blocker and in his first season, he showed a knack for picking things up quickly which should help him in his quest for playing time this year. His integration into the offense will only increase the team's versatility in play calling.
"Jason still has a little ways to go," said Friedgen, "but he is the type of athlete - physically and mentally - who can do all the things you want out of an H-back. Our tight ends as a whole give us a lot of multiplicity within our offense without changing a lot of the learning."
Outlook Schedule on UMterps.com:
Offense/Quarterbacks Posted July 7
Tailbacks/Fullbacks Posted July 12
Wide Receivers Posted July 14
Tight Ends Today
Offensive Line Thursday, July 21
Defense/Defensive Line Tuesday, July 26
Linebackers Thursday, July 28
Defensive Backs Tuesday, August 2
Specialists Thursday, August 4
Other important dates:
Start of Camp/Media Day Monday, August 8
Fan Day Sunday, August 21
Season Opener vs. Navy Saturday, September 3
Home Opener vs. Clemson Saturday, September 10
For season ticket information, please call the Terrapin Ticket Office at (301) 314-7070 or (800) IM A-TERP (8377).
