Terps More than Halfway Through Spring

University of Maryland Athletics

April 18, 2011

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Edsall and the Players Discuss Spring Practice (TerpsTV)

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland capped off its third week of spring practice Saturday afternoon with the first of three scrimmages.

Head coach Randy Edsall, who chatted with reporters on a conference call Monday afternoon, thought the offense was sharper than the defense in a scrimmage played under wet and windy conditions at the practice facility.

"We had a good scrimmage the other day," Edsall said. "We were out in the rain, but I thought we got a lot accomplished. We got a lot of plays in."

There were aspects of the scrimmage Edsall was pleased about, but realizes there is improvement to be made before the 2011 season opener vs. Miami (Sept. 5).

"There were things we saw that we liked and things we have to continue to work on," Edsall said. "That's what we're going to do this week and then we'll get out and scrimmage again Saturday."

The team has six more practices left, including the final scrimmage which will be the Red-White Spring game on Saturday, April 30 at 3:30 p.m.

Admission is free to the game which caps off Maryland Day, a campus-wide open house. Gates to Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium open at noon and there will be an autograph session with Edsall and the players at 12:30 p.m. on the concourse.

Terp Notes:

Jeremiah Wilson moved from defensive back to running back before the spring, but the redshirt freshman hasn't had much of an opportunity to show the staff his skill set since he's been hurt since the first week of practice. Wilson, who had a hamstring injury, saw time in the scrimmage and Edsall said "he had a pretty good day for himself."

Edsall indicated that offensive guard Josh Cary has been impressive, especially in the scrimmage. He had a very good day, according to Edsall. Cary had a chance to work with the No. 1 offensive line unit.

R.J. Dill, the starting right tackle, suffered a knee strain in the scrimmage. The Terps are already without starting left tackle Justin Gilbert, who had knee surgery two weeks ago is likely out of action until October.

The Terps have both of their starting corners back from last season in seniors Cameron Chism and Trenton Hughes, but Edsall indicated there is "good completion" at the position this spring. Dexter McDougle served as the No. 3 cornerback for most of last season. Other vying for time include Jeremiah Johnson and Daniel Thomas. Avery Graham, who is rehabbing from shoulder surgery, is not taking part in contact drills this spring. Graham is, however, running sprints for the Maryland track and field team.

Edsall is hoping to hear from the NCAA this week on the eligibility status of wide receiver Nigel King. The true freshman, who enrolled in school in January, has not been able to practice with the team this spring.