July 15, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The following is the fifth in a 10-part series previewing the 2003 University of Maryland football team. The Terrapins open fall camp on August 4th in preparation for their season opener at Northern Illinois on August 28th.

Today's portion of the outlook for 2003 features takes a look at the tight end position, a spot that features both some old and new faces as well as a new twist this year. Check back every Tuesday and Thursday in the month of July for a breakdown on each component of this year's team (a complete list of when each position's synopsis will be posted on umterps.com can be found at the bottom of this page), a squad ranked by most preseason publications in the top 15 nationally.

Tight Ends

Though the roster has not had any new faces added in regards to the tight end position, changes are expected in terms of the looks the Terrapins will be able to give this season based on moves that were made with personnel who were already on the roster at Maryland.

There are no changes at the top of the depth chart, however, as Jeff Dugan (Allison Park, Pa.) returns for his fourth and final year as a starter. Dugan is a throwback, bringing total effort in games, practice and the offseason. He is one of the best blocking tight ends in the country and worked this past offseason in improving his ability to get downfield. An honorable mention All-ACC pick last year, Dugan is one of the true leaders on this year's team.

"Whatever you ask Jeff (Dugan) to do, he does," said Friedgen. "Just a heck of a kid and I feel very priveledged to have the opportunity to coach this guy. He punches the clock every day, never complains, and just goes out and gets it done."

Third-year tight end Derek Miller (Carlisle, Pa.) is a big target at 6-8 and gives the offense another good blocker. Miller broke his leg in the Peach Bowl, but was able to return in the spring, furthering the chances that he, too, will be improved in the receiving department in '03.

The big change, however, will likely come from a converted wide receiver as Rob Abiamiri (Randallstown, Md.) was very impressive in the role of a "posse" or pass-catching tight end in the offseason. A player who opened fall camp two years ago atop the depth chart at wide receiver, Abiamiri is healthy for the first time since then and will give the Terps a new look, especially in the four-wide set.

Two other players who look to factor in are second-year players Brad Schell (Spencerville, Md.) and Darren Sanders (Pomfret, Md.) as well as wide receiver Vernon Davis, who also has the size to get a look in the "posse" role.

"I think Jeff Dugan is one of the better tight ends in the country and the best blocking tight end in the ACC and has been for a couple of years now," said Friedgen. I don't know when people are going to start recognizing how good of a football player he is. Derek Miller came back from his injury pretty well in the spring and is a player to watch down the road for us. The use of Rob Abiamiri and possibly Vernon Davis at this position should give us an added dimension."

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).