With the season opener against Navy quickly closing in, the Maryland Terrapins continued their game preparation during Thursday's practice.
After holding their final two-a-day session Wednesday, the Terps attempted to simulate a gameday environment in Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium.
"We played a mock game," head coach Ralph Friedgen said after the two-hour workout. "But it was tag off (no tackling) and it was scripted."
The team did its normal pregame warm-up routine, signaled plays from the sidelines and coaches box, and had an officiating crew.
The Terps first- and second-team defense worked against the Navy scout team and the Maryland offense did the same vs. the Midshipmen scout-team defense.
"I really didn't know how it was going to go," Friedgen said. "It was the first time I've ever done that. But I think it went better than I anticipated. I think we really got accomplished what I wanted to without anyone getting hurt."
The Navy offense poses a significant challenge for the Terps. The Midshipmen ranked fourth nationally in rushing offense last season (280.0 per game). They were the top rushing team in the nation from 2005-08.
"We tried to simulate their offense as best we can," Friedgen said. "We also got all of our special teams work in."
Friedgen will taper back the practice schedule over the next few days.
"It was a good practice," Friedgen said. "I think our kids are tired. We have to get them their legs back. We're back down to one-a-days so I think that'll start happening. We'll go a little lighter tomorrow and then a little lighter Saturday. We'll take Sunday off and then it will be a game week Monday."
Practice Notes: Friedgen hit on a number of topics during Thursday's media session. Sophomore Zachariah Kerr, who is expected to be a significant contributor in the middle of the defensive line, has shown improved stamina. "He's giving tremendous effort over a sustained period of time," Friedgen said. "That's been his M.O. I think he's in better shape than he's ever been. The guy can run for being 330, 340 pounds. He can run under a 5.0 (in the 40-yard dash). The problem is he's had trouble doing that more than five plays. He played 53 plays Monday and played very well." ... Friedgen needed just three words to describe true freshman safety Matt Robinson - "big, fast and smart ." The head coach also likes his physical play. "(Defensive coordinator) Don (Brown) came to me and was concerned with how aggressive he was in the scrimmage Monday," Friedgen said. "He blew three people up; just blew them up. And he was running by guys to hit them. He was impressive." ... Friedgen likes the speed the team has on defense and hopes to see an improved sack total. "We have more speed at rushing the passer than we've had in the past," Friedgen said. "Bradley Johnson, Marcus Whitfield, Desmond Kearse and Derek Drummond, when he's well. Drew Gloster, as well. So there are more edge guys than we've ever had."
The team did its normal pregame warm-up routine, signaled plays from the sidelines and coaches box, and had an officiating crew.
The Terps first- and second-team defense worked against the Navy scout team and the Maryland offense did the same vs. the Midshipmen scout-team defense.
"I really didn't know how it was going to go," Friedgen said. "It was the first time I've ever done that. But I think it went better than I anticipated. I think we really got accomplished what I wanted to without anyone getting hurt."
The Navy offense poses a significant challenge for the Terps. The Midshipmen ranked fourth nationally in rushing offense last season (280.0 per game). They were the top rushing team in the nation from 2005-08.
"We tried to simulate their offense as best we can," Friedgen said. "We also got all of our special teams work in."
Friedgen will taper back the practice schedule over the next few days.
"It was a good practice," Friedgen said. "I think our kids are tired. We have to get them their legs back. We're back down to one-a-days so I think that'll start happening. We'll go a little lighter tomorrow and then a little lighter Saturday. We'll take Sunday off and then it will be a game week Monday."
Practice Notes: Friedgen hit on a number of topics during Thursday's media session. Sophomore Zachariah Kerr, who is expected to be a significant contributor in the middle of the defensive line, has shown improved stamina. "He's giving tremendous effort over a sustained period of time," Friedgen said. "That's been his M.O. I think he's in better shape than he's ever been. The guy can run for being 330, 340 pounds. He can run under a 5.0 (in the 40-yard dash). The problem is he's had trouble doing that more than five plays. He played 53 plays Monday and played very well." ... Friedgen needed just three words to describe true freshman safety Matt Robinson - "big, fast and smart ." The head coach also likes his physical play. "(Defensive coordinator) Don (Brown) came to me and was concerned with how aggressive he was in the scrimmage Monday," Friedgen said. "He blew three people up; just blew them up. And he was running by guys to hit them. He was impressive." ... Friedgen likes the speed the team has on defense and hopes to see an improved sack total. "We have more speed at rushing the passer than we've had in the past," Friedgen said. "Bradley Johnson, Marcus Whitfield, Desmond Kearse and Derek Drummond, when he's well. Drew Gloster, as well. So there are more edge guys than we've ever had."
It'd be awesome if someone could give me a run down on exactly what an "anchor" is on the defensive line. Is it some sort of hybrid DE/DT? Is it their job to give the line more push?
Anchor is the strongside defensive end position in Don Brown's scheme. The anchor normally lines up over the tight end.
Thanks for clearing that up Shawn.