Here are some thoughts compiled from the Athletic Department conference room, where I caught the Terps’ scrimmages against Princeton and Stevenson (formerly Villa Julie). It’s the second weekend of scrimmages for the team, which had contests with Delaware and Loyola (Md.) last weekend.
— Brian Farrell has moved back to close defense after spending last season as the Terps primary long stick. But despite the position change, the 6-foot-5 240 pound junior hasn’t lost his eagerness in the transition game (He had eight goals and two assists last season). Saturday, Farrell often released upfield following a shot, and the goalies like to look for the big fella, who is an easy target on clears.
— Farrell’s speed on the break ignited the most impressive play of the first contest, against Princeton. After receiving an outlet pass, Farrell charged across midfield and found attackman Grant Catalino on the wing. Catalino moved it to Travis Reed, who was breaking from behind the cage. Reed then used a series of fakes before tucking the ball into the top right corner as the goalie stumbled backwards into the net.
— Bryn Holmes is looking like an even better face off option for the Terps this season. Against Princeton he managed to win 11-of-15 draws, including the first five he took. Inside Lacrosse Magazine had a piece recently on the improvement of face-off specialists with age. Perhaps, with some new tricks up his sleeve, he can keep the Terps from expending too much energy on defense. Holmes ranked 17th in the nation in face off percentage (. 561) in 2008.
— Senior midfielder Jeff Reynolds was looking for his shot early and often. Reynolds likes to sweep the top of the box, and has a propensity for the running jump-shot. He finished with three goals against Princeton. Expect Reynolds to play on the first midfield line with Dan Groot and Jeremy Sieverts.
— Much has been made of junior transfer Will Yeatman, who joined the Terps after receiving his release from Notre Dame. On the field, Yeatman looks worthy of the hype. His physical presence is unmistakable given his 6-foot-6, 260 pound frame, and he yet looked shockingly nimble. Scoring two goals and adding an assist, Yeatman is a capable finisher with both hands. Fun Fact: SID Patrick Fischer said the team had to order gloves specially for Yeatman because of his gargantuan hands. I can attest to this as the recipient of a monster hand shake after meeting with the San Diego native for an interview last week.
— Freshman attackman Joe Cummings could be a player to watch this season. The attack is pretty jam-packed at this point with Yeatman, Catalino, Reed and Ryan Young, but Cummings could very well see some time as an offensive midfielder. Cummings can score the ball (two goals against Princeton) and several players have mentioned that they liked what they have seen from him in practice.
— Not much to say about the scrimmage with Stevenson. It’s mostly reserves fighting for playing time and I’m trying to get out of here and hit up Bagel Place.
— Finally, the Terps will have new jerseys this season. I don’t have all the details, but Fischer said the kits have a new gold and black checked piping on the sleeves. He said there was nothing too crazy going on with the numbers so hopefully this will be a classy look for the Terps. Unlike, say, these monstrosities.
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