The Terps are now one-third of the way through spring practice with the completion of workout No. 5 Thursday evening.

Head coach Ralph Friedgen offered a few assessments after the two-hour practice at the team's on-campus facility.

He likes what he's seen from the defense which offers a number of different looks to the opposing offense under second-year coordinator Don Brown.

"They put in their '30' package today and that's always a nightmare," Friedgen said. (Don's) playing, I don't know, six linebackers, five safeties. The young (offensive) guys have actually done better than I thought they would. But it's not an easy situation."

The defensive line lost three starters- Travis Ivey, Jared Harrell and Deege Galt - to graduation, but the Terps have nine players back who rotated at those four positions last season.

Sophomore Joe Vellano, who missed the first half of last season with a broken foot, has been impressive so far in camp.

"The guy that's much improved is Vellano," Friedgen said. "From what I see he's playing very well. He's playing low and quick. He makes a lot of plays in practice."

Friedgen has also been impressed with his other tackles.

[A.J.] Francis is playing well and so is Zach Kerr," Friedgen said.

De'Onte Arnett is in a battle for the No. 1 defensive tackle spot with Kerr. Maurice Hampton, who moved from offensive guard this spring, is also vying for time, listed behind Kerr and Arnett.

Maryland lost two key starters on the offensive line with the departures of Phil Costa and Bruce Campbell.

However, Andrew Gonnella, Paul Pinegar and R.J. Dill are back to start on the offensive line.

Pinegar has started at left and right tackle, as well as left guard, and may start at a fourth in the fall - center.

The senior made the move prior to spring practice.

"He's done better than I thought he would," Friedgen said "He's lost some weight and I think that's helped his movement. Paul's a very versatile kid. He's played tackle, guard and now center. That knowledge and that experience are very valuable to us right now."

Friedgen has also seen improvement in some of the returning players on the offensive line.

"I see Gonnella, Dill and Gilbert playing better than last year," Friedgen said.