Pre-Spring Notes (PDF)
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COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The second week of spring practice is in the books for the Maryland football team as the Terps held their sixth practice Saturday afternoon.
The team incorporated more game-like situations into last week's final workout.
"We've made progress [this spring]," head coach Randy Edsall said Monday on a conference call with reporters. "We had a scrimmage [for part of practice] on Saturday with about 80 or 90 plays. There were times when the offense did some really good things, and there were times when the defense also did some really good things. That's what you want to see as a coach in the springtime; you don't want to see one [side of the ball] to dominate the other."
However, Edsall is looking for more dedication to the mental aspect of the game.
"One thing though, is that I think we aren't as mentally tough a football team for my liking," the first-year coach said. "We've got to learn how to play every play like it's the last one. We've got to learn that you give it everything you got on one play, and then when that play is done, you go to the next play. We have to play as hard at the end of scrimmages as we do at the beginning."
Edsall remains pleased with the moves on the defensive side of the ball which included position switches for Darin Drakeford (Sam LB to Will LB), Demetrius Hartsfield (Will LB to Mike LB) and Kenny Tate (strong Safety to Star).
"We've been able to evaluate guys, and we've got to do a little more tinkering this week, nothing really big though," Edsall said. "The guys that we've moved, we've got to make sure they're in the right place, and we need to get the best guys on the field. They've made a lot of progress from the first week to the second. There are many guys showing their abilities quite well, and I do like the personnel and how it is set up now. We are going to see this week how everyone will start getting comfortable [in their roles]."
Edsall noted that Justin Anderson has moved from defensive tackle back to defensive end. The junior has played both inside and outside on the defensive line during his career. Anderson started all 13 games at anchor, a strongside end position, last season. He moved to tackle at the start of spring practice.
The Terps have nine more practices, including the annual Red-White Spring game on Saturday, April 30. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. from Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium. Admission is free and the game will cap off Maryland Day, a University-sponsored family celebration.
Terp Notes:
Opening at Left Tackle: Junior Justin Gilbert, who missed most of last season after injuring his left knee, is likely out until October. The left tackle suffered a non-contact injury in the first week of practice and had surgery Thursday to repair the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the same knee. Gilbert entered last season as the starter, but was injured against West Virginia (9/19) and did not play in the final 10 games. Gilbert has seen action in 14 career games, including three starts. "I feel bad for Justin," Edsall said. "He was chomping at the bit to get out there." Sophomore Max Garcia, who played in two games last season as a true freshman, moves to No. 1 on the depth chart at left tackle. "I like the ability that he brings to that position," Edsall said. "We've got to get him better technically, but he's got the feet, and he's got the mental toughness and attitude that I'm looking for. He's a youngster that has to keep improving, but I really think he has a bright future."
Brown Off to Strong Start: Sophomore Danny O'Brien is atop the depth after his stellar first season with the Terps which included earning the ACC Freshman of the Year award, but C.J. Brown, who missed nearly all of last season with a shoulder injury, has been impressive so far this spring. "C.J. Brown is putting pressure on Danny O'Brien," Edsall said. "He's playing really well, and I like the things that he's doing. He does a very good job in the huddle." The sophomore, who is the backup on the depth chart, saw action in just one game (vs. Morgan State) last season. Redshirt freshman Tyler Smith is third on the depth chart and Edsall has been impressed with all of the quarterbacks. "We're in a very good situation with this spot," Edsall said. "I think everyone always needs someone pushing them and someone behind them. As a coach you want competition with every position because you don't want anyone to be too comfortable or complacent."
Depth at Tight End: With all four tight ends returning from last season, Maryland should have plenty of depth at that position. Junior Matt Furstenburg is penciled in as the starter, but veterans Devonte Campbell, Ryan Schlothauer and Dave Stinebaugh have all seen time. Furstenburg had a team-best 17.2 yards-per-catch last season on 12 receptions. "I like what I see from Matt and if he continues to improve then I think he can become a good tight end," Edsall said. Schlothauer has also been impressive. "He is putting himself in a spot to be a contributor at that position and on special teams," Edsall said. "We're going to have four guys there and that gives us an advantage."
