With spring practice nearly half complete, Terp coach Ralph Friedgen has started adjusting his depth chart a little bit. Here’s a run-down of some of the points he made sure to mention today.
Rising:
Morgan Green: The junior running back fumbled during goal line drills on Saturday, but Friedgen said he has been doing enough in practice to earn more carries. He will get more looks with the second team, taking away work from sophomore Davin Meggett.
Kevin Dorsey: The redshirt freshman wide out has been one of the talks of spring practice so far with his play-making ability. He was stuck behind Torrey Smith on the depth chart, but he is now learning to play the “Z” position with Emani Lee-Odai moving to the “X” position. Don’t be surprised if Dorsey, who missed last season after serious ankle surgery, makes a splash in ‘09.
Masengo Kabongo: The redshirt freshman defensive end has moved into a virtual tie with Derek Drummond for the starting end spot. This is a little surprising given that Friedgen has had some good things to say about Drummond, who is making the transition from the LEO position. But today, Friedgen was gushing about Kabongo, a former four-star recruit from Connecticut, and he deserved it with some nice plays during the practice-ending Oklahoma Drill.
Falling:
Dion Armstrong: Friedgen continues to be less than optimistic about the defensive tackle’s chances to be academically eligible next season. Armstrong continues to sit out to work on his grades, but Friedgen seems to get more pesimistic by the day about getting him back on the field. In related news, A.J. Francis, one of the leading candidates to replace him in the starting lineup, made a really nice play in the backfield on Da’Rel Scott in full-team play this morning.
Paul Pinegar: The right tackle who is one of the leading candidates to get a spot on the inexperienced line next season has not gotten a lot of love from Friedgen recently. Pinegar continues to work with the first team, but every time he is asked about Pinegar, he mentions tackle Tyler Bowen, who is trying to play his way back from injury. Today, we learned that Bowen has dropped 25-pounds from his 6-foot-8 frame in the offseason, and he did some good work in the Oklahoma Drill. R.J. Dill, who has been working at left tackle in Bruce Campbell’s stead, also has a chance to compete for the right tackle spot, so the competition is very much on right now.
A final word from Friedgen on all of these spots that are up for grabs (This particular quote came in regards to the Dorsey move, but it can be applied universally, and it means Friedgen isn’t about to give anyone a free pass in camp.):
“We’re trying to get our guys that can make plays in position to make them, get the best players on the field.”
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