University of Maryland Athletics

March 7, 2006

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The following is the fourth in a six-part series previewing the Maryland football team as it heads into spring practice for 2006. Today's segment takes a look at Maryland's offensive line, arguably the spot where the most competitition will take place this spring. Check back every Tuesday and Thursday before the start of camp on April 1st for the most recent preview.

Offensive Line
Last season, the offensive line probably looked a good deal what the team would like to see happen at receiver. The Terps were young and inexperienced - especially after the loss of their top returnee - but as the season progressed, they got better and better and what was once a sore spot may now be the strength of the team.

At tackle, the Terrapins have both youth and experience and are deeper and more talented than they have been in Friedgen's tenure. Juniors Brandon Nixon and Scott Burley (who will be healthy and likely much improved) will start off spring competing at right tackle. Both are talented and a healthy Burley brings an intimidating force with enough skill to challenge Nixon's status as the starter, despite his solid first year in the role.

On the left side, Jared Gaither proved in his first season that, barring catastrophe, he will be a star in the ACC, starting the season's final eight games without yielding a single sack. To say has size is an understatement (6-9, 340), but he also moves very well and is a natural football player. He moved to right tackles for part of the finale against NC State and showed the versatility that will give the Terrapins a number of options when it comes to a starting lineup. In addition, the return of Stephon Heyer from injury will only improve competition. Heyer was the team's top lineman entering 2005 before tearing his ACL in fall camp. He will be limited in spring, but gives Maryland arguably one of the best group of potential starting tackles to choose from in the ACC, if not the nation. Finally, a bulked-up Dane Randolph could be a factor and 2005 redshirt Zach Marshall will be thrown into the mix.

At guard, starters Andrew Crummey and Donnie Woods return, but Woods (the team's highest-graded lineman a year ago) will miss spring after surgery on his shoulder. In Woods' absence, sophomore Jaimie Thomas will get a good look at left guard with Lee Oliver and a newcomer to the offensive side, Jack Griffin, working in. Thomas is talented enough to challenge for a starting spot and the repetitions in spring should help him cut down on the mistakes that seem to plague him at times.

On the right side, Crummey has been a solid player who plays intelligently and as mistake-free (just one missed assignment every 53 plays in 2005) as any Terp. He will be backed up by junior Garrick Clig, a good run blocker who saw action on special teams last year but will be looking for more playing time on offense.

Possibly the key to the offensive line and the lone spot where a starter does not return from last year will be the center position. Sophomore Edwin Williams got a good deal of playing time last season, but struggled with assignment errors. He has good size and moves well, and if he can figure things out from a mental standpoint, the Terps will be in good shape at the position. Second-year player Phil Costa showed enough promise last year that he traveled to every away game and his progress in his first season suggests he will be an asset to the team whether it is at center or guard.

"We have 14 kids on scholarship and I think all of them have a chance to play," said Friedgen. "A big key this year will be how we come out at center. Edwin Williams can give us the type of player we are looking for there if he can eliminate some of the mistakes, but we are deep at tackle and guard. Last season, we learned we have a lot of versatility to go along with talent."

Spring Outlook Schedule