April 8, 2008
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The Maryland football team is four days away from its first official scrimmage, but Coach Ralph Friedgen and the staff have caught glimpses of the Terps under game-like conditions during the first seven practices of the spring.
The team opened the third week of the spring practice Tuesday, and used the two-hour workout to fine-tune and make adjustments from Sunday's session which featured a scrimmage-type setting for the final 60 minutes.
Friedgen saw a lot positive signs from Sunday's scrimmage, one in which the offense scored on six of 14 drives and the defense was solid in the red zone (five field goals on six possessions) and forced one turnover.
"I think we're further ahead (than we've been in the past) with our third and fourth teams," Friedgen said after Tuesday's practice. "We've put more time into them. Everything wasn't perfect, but the effort and intensity was very good. Hopefully, we can learn from our mistakes and get better."
The eighth-year head coach is hoping the team, which has 14 starters (nine offense/five defense) returning from last season, can build upon Sunday's effort as the Terps prepare for Saturday's scrimmage.
"I thought there was improvement on the field today from Sunday," Friedgen said. "When we get a little tired we start breaking down and that's what we got to get better at. We have to be mature enough to be able to do that stuff. That's what kills our consistency. It's better but it's not where it needs to be. I think if we continue to improve like we are, I think we have a chance."
The Terps hit the field again Thursday afternoon. It will mark the final practice before Saturday's scrimmage which is set to begin at 10 a.m. in Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium.
The first, second and third teams should see action in about 40 plays apiece.
The Terps have eight spring practices remaining, including with the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday, April 26 (3:30 p.m. ET at Chevy Chase Bank Field at Byrd Stadium).
With the exception of the spring game, all workouts are closed to the general public. Practices are open only to members of the Maryland Gridiron Network and Terrapin Club, as well as University of Maryland students and credentialed media.
Terp Notes:
Moving on Up: After Tuesday's practice, Friedgen singled out players who have been impressive thus far in the spring and may be able to make a move on the depth chart. Senior linebacker Chase Bullock, who battled ankle injuries last season, has been "playing better than he has (since he's been here)." Along the defensive line, Friedgen noted the solid play of Olugbemi Otulaja and Dion Armstrong. He said, "Armstrong is going to be a real good player, but he has to do it consistently." Otulaja saw action as a reserve defensive tackle last season, while Armstrong served a redshirt season last fall. On the offensive side of the ball, redshirt freshman tight end Lansford Watson is still at the developmental stage, but has shown promise. "He's more aggressive in the blocking game and has a chance to be a threat in the passing game," Friedgen said. Along with Watson, the Terps also have senior Dan Gronkowski, the returning starter, and junior Tommy Galt at tight end "Dan has been solid all spring," Friedgen said. "He's developing into a threat in the passing game. And the Galt brothers have improved." Deege Galt is a reserve along the defensive line. Sophomore Emani Lee-Odai and redshirt Torrey Smith are two wide receivers who have been impressive and may see more action with recent injuries to Isaiah Williams (hand) and LaQuan Williams (foot).
