Once again, we got to briefly watch the beginning of practice, basically warm ups and positional drills. That said, here are some quick observations from our second preseason camp viewing of the Terps.
- Watching the team warm up, it quickly hit me that Canada is just much less in-your-face than Durkin and other coaches seem to be taking on Canada's more calm demeanor. Whereas before DJ and Rick Court would be in the middle of the field blowing whistles with Court screaming at the top of his lungs, you've now got Canada just walking through the warmup lines, quietly talking with players and laughing with them. Mason Baggett is still an intense guy, but overall, the team just seems more loose overall during warmups with Canada in control.
- While last year there was a clear battle between Pigrome and Hill for the starting job throughout camp, this year there is a clear No. 1 and No. 2 between them. Watching the QBs throwing some warmup passes, it is immediately evident that Hill is the starter, as he's the only one of the group who has someone catching the ball for him. With Hill's size, mobility and arm strength it was likely just a matter of time last season until he seized the starting job if no one had gotten hurt.
- Looking at the WR unit once again, one other newcomer I hadn't previously mentioned who looks like he could possibly have an impact sooner than later is freshman Darryl Jones of Virginia Beach. DJ Turner seemed pretty locked in today, as well. The junior is in line for a breakout season.
- Multiple tents were setup at practice once again with water, Gatorade, benches and fans. This is clearly to be the norm going forward as should be expected.
- Watched the kickers for a bit as we were walking out and it's pretty evident that Petrino has the biggest leg of all the kickers. His addition should be a big help in the kickoff department right off the bat. If he can come in and lock down both kickoffs and field goals to open the season, that would be big for the Terps.
- Adam McLean was in a yellow jersey and working on the sideline with trainers. Doesn't appear to be anything too serious, but thought it was worth noting he was sidelined today.
- I spotted scouts from the Packers, Titans, Patriots and Cardinals at today's practice.
- Watching the team warm up, it quickly hit me that Canada is just much less in-your-face than Durkin and other coaches seem to be taking on Canada's more calm demeanor. Whereas before DJ and Rick Court would be in the middle of the field blowing whistles with Court screaming at the top of his lungs, you've now got Canada just walking through the warmup lines, quietly talking with players and laughing with them. Mason Baggett is still an intense guy, but overall, the team just seems more loose overall during warmups with Canada in control.
- While last year there was a clear battle between Pigrome and Hill for the starting job throughout camp, this year there is a clear No. 1 and No. 2 between them. Watching the QBs throwing some warmup passes, it is immediately evident that Hill is the starter, as he's the only one of the group who has someone catching the ball for him. With Hill's size, mobility and arm strength it was likely just a matter of time last season until he seized the starting job if no one had gotten hurt.
- Looking at the WR unit once again, one other newcomer I hadn't previously mentioned who looks like he could possibly have an impact sooner than later is freshman Darryl Jones of Virginia Beach. DJ Turner seemed pretty locked in today, as well. The junior is in line for a breakout season.
- Multiple tents were setup at practice once again with water, Gatorade, benches and fans. This is clearly to be the norm going forward as should be expected.
- Watched the kickers for a bit as we were walking out and it's pretty evident that Petrino has the biggest leg of all the kickers. His addition should be a big help in the kickoff department right off the bat. If he can come in and lock down both kickoffs and field goals to open the season, that would be big for the Terps.
- Adam McLean was in a yellow jersey and working on the sideline with trainers. Doesn't appear to be anything too serious, but thought it was worth noting he was sidelined today.
- I spotted scouts from the Packers, Titans, Patriots and Cardinals at today's practice.
