July 8, 2003

Fullback

For the first time since Ralph Friedgen has been at Maryland, depth is somewhat of a concern at the fullback position. With the graduation of Chad Killian and the early departure of James Lynch, what was once one of the team's deepest positions is no longer.

That said, senior Bernie Fiddler (Swedesboro, N.J.) is a very capable back and was talented enough to earn playing time even with Killian and Lynch in the fold. Fiddler is a solid lead blocker who runs well and has good hands. Coming out of spring, he was as firmly entrenched as a starter as nearly anyone on either side of the ball.

A former linebacker, junior Maurice Smith (Waldorf, Md.) has found a home at fullback and appears to be a solid number two to Fiddler. Smith has made his name in his first two years on special teams but will be given more reps than ever in anticipation of 2003.

Sophomore Ricardo Dickerson was given a look at fullback in the offseason, but appears headed back to his natural position at strongside linebacker. Another fullback/linebacker who appears probable to get his shot on the offensive side is incoming freshman Tim Cesa (Kennesaw, Ga.), an all-state player from Georgia with good size (235 pounds) and strength (380-pound bench) for a player who has yet to spend a season in a collegiate strength and conditioning program..

"Our fullback position is not as strong from a depth standpoint as it has been in the past," said Friedgen, "but what we have is still as good as what the majority of teams in college football have. We have been very blessed to have some very good fullbacks in the time that I have been here. Depth may be an issue for us, but as long as we stay healthy, I think we'll be fine."

Outlook Schedule on UMterps.com:

Offense/Quarterbacks        Tuesday, July 1
Tailbacks                   Thursday, July 3
Fullbacks                   Tuesday, July 8
Wide Receivers              Thursday, July 10
Tight Ends                  Tuesday, July 15
Offensive Line              Thursday, July 17
Defense/Defensive Line      Tuesday, July 22
Linebackers                 Thursday, July 24
Defensive Backs             Tuesday, July 29
Specialists                 Thursday, July 31

For season ticket information, please call the Terrapin Ticket Office at (301) 314-7070 or (800) 462-TERP (8377).