Spring offers an opportunity for younger, and maybe some unheralded, players to catch the eye of coaches as they look to make a move up the depth chart or find a role on the team for the fall.

There are some other positions which are deep with players who have seen extended action.

Linebacker, wide receiver and running back are positions of strength for the Terps.

Maryland returns all three starters at linebacker in Alex Wujciak, Adrian Moten and Demetrius Hartsfield. Ben Pooler, Avery Murray and Darin Drakeford, the primary backups, are also back.

"We're pretty strong there," head coach Ralph Friedgen said after Tuesday's practice. "I don't want to get anyone hurt right now. We're working Ben Pooler, Avery Murray and Ryan Donohue at Mike (linebacker). We're trying to find out who the best No. 2 guy is."

Pooler started for an injured Hartsfield last season, but his versatility may also get him on the field more often in the fall.

"Pooler is competing with Hartsfield at Will (linebacker) but the fact that he can play both really gives him a lot of value to our team," Friedgen said. "Darin Drakeford is playing Sam (linebacker) and he has David Mackall breathing down his neck. Mackall can run and hit but we have to make him realize he needs to follow his defensive responsibilities."

Cory Jackson was the only running back lost to graduation, but he was an integral part of the offense for the last four years. The fullback was a fearless blocker and extremely knowledgeable of the offense.

A reserve last season, Taylor Watson entered the spring atop the depth chart at fullback, but is out of action until at least September after suffering a knee injury on the second day of practice.

Haroon Brown now has an opportunity to solidify time. He has stepped into the No. 1 fullback role with Watson's injury.

Brown will look to open holes for a talented group of tailbacks.

Senior Da'Rel Scott and junior Davin Meggett are atop the depth chart at tailback and both are having a good spring season.

"I think Meggett and Da'Rel are running better than they had last year," Friedgen said. "Davin broke off a 75-yarder today against the first team defense."

Scott is hoping to return to his All-ACC form of two years ago after suffering through an injury-plagued 2009.

Battles are underway at the three receiver positions which have all three starters - Torrey Smith, Adrian Cannon and Ronnie Tyler - back from last season.

"There is a tremendous battle going on for the X-receiver position," Friedgen said. "Kevin Dorsey made an excellent play in the scrimmage and another in the cover-2 drill where he went up over three people and made the catch. He and Adrian Cannon are having a heck of a battle. There's also a battle between Quintin McCree and Torrey Smith. I would say right now, that's about neck and neck. The other guy I think is much improved is Tony Logan. He didn't play as well as he's been playing ( in the scrimmage) but he came out (Tuesday) and had a better practice."