It’s all over but the spring game for the Terp football team after today’s 14th spring practice.
But in some aspects, we don’t know much more than when spring practice started.
Certain issues have been constant themes in Ralph’s post-practice chats, including the battles at the offensive line, tight end and fullback positions.
The young offensive line has plenty of options and little experience. Without starting left tackle Bruce Campbell due to academic issues, it has been interesting to watch guys such as R.J. Dill, Paul Pinegar and Tyler Bowen practice at both tackle spots, while knowing they are essentially battling for one position. The guard race is just as jumbled with players such as Lamar Young, Andrew Gonnella and Justin Lewis showing flashes of brilliance but nothing close to winning the job.
“I expected it on the line. I thought that’s what would happen because it’s a young bunch of guys,” Friedgen said. “The tight ends, I was hoping someone would emerge. Maybe they’re just all about the same. But we’ve got to get better from a blocking and route-running standpoint.”
Friedgen’s secondary point focuses on a group that includes Matt Furstenberg, Tommy Galt, Lansford Watson and Devonte Campbell trying to earn major playing time.
Friedgen was much more pessimistic about the play of this group as it develops under new position coach Charles Bankins.
“To me, it’s put them in a bag and shake them up, and whoever comes out plays,” Friedgen said of his tight end group, which is trying to replace starter Dan Gronkowski. “That’s the way I feel right now. Nobody’s elevated themselves.”
Ditto in the race for the back-up fullback spot behind senior Corey Jackson, who has missed all of spring ball after knee surgery. The talk has been about reserves Taylor Watson and Haroon Brown, who each saw time last year. But apparently, neither has impressed Friedgen enough to separate themselves.
Today, the 9th-year coach talked about the work of Louis Berman, a linebacker who has lined up at fullback recently.
“He may win the second team job,” Friedgen said. “He was hitting people today. I like that.”
I guess the moral here is clear: Sometimes the more you see, the less you know. But when fall camp rolls around something has got to give.
Terp Notes: Da’Rel Scott had an MRI on his injured knee yesterday, and Friedgen said the results confirmed that it is a low-grade ACL strain that shouldn’t linger more than a few weeks. He won’t play in Saturday’s Red-White Game…Wide receiver Torrey Smith (hamstring) and tackle Paul Pinegar (knee) were shaken up during today’s workout. Friedgen didn’t expect either of them to be serious, but their statuses for Saturday are not known. Friedgen said he tried to limit hitting in their last workout and was disappointed there were still injuries….Because of the injuries, Friedgen said Saturday’s game could go to a running-clock format in the second half.
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