The media got to watch the first 25 minutes of practice today as the Terps prepare for Purdue.
Nothing groundbreaking to report, but here are a few quick observations:
Nothing groundbreaking to report, but here are a few quick observations:
- The offensive line is looking much healthier than the week leading up to the Rutgers game. Marcus Minor, who missed last weekend's game, was back to practicing fully with the first team, alongside fellow starters Ellis McKennie (RG), Johnny Jordan (C), Sean Christie (LG), and Jaelyn Duncan (LT).
- Much like McKennie was while Terrance Davis was healthy, converted-defensive lineman Austin Fontaine appears to be the "sixth man" on the Terps' offensive line at the moment. He took a few first-team reps at center and right guard in the portion of the practice we got to see, but Jordan and McKennie seem to be the two that will get first crack at those positions on Saturday.
- Speaking of position conversions: First practice I've been able to make it to in a little while, so not exactly sure if this is the first day this has occurred, but freshman OL Marcus Finger was working with the defensive line today. With how thin the Terps are at OL this season, I wouldn't think they would be trying Finger out on the other side of the ball unless they really thought he has a future there.
- Part of the portion of practice we got to see included the offense working on swing passes to backs and screen passes to wideouts. These are drills they always run to open up practice, so it's not a change with Pigrome now at QB, but I will say that these drills may be more applicable now, as it would be wise for Maryland to use these type of quick pass plays to get Pigrome in a rhythm early in games and utilize the talent of the team's skill players.
- I was a little concerned with the lack of energy at practice today. We only saw a short portion of it and this is just one guy's opinion, but the team just didn't seem to have a ton of juice today, even during stretches and warmups. This lack of energy, and perhaps focus, was seen in some bad WR drops during drills. We're talking well-placed balls that just weren't hauled in...with no defenders present. Luckily, it's only Tuesday and the Terps have several more practices to get it together if this type of energy did indeed continue today.
- I should also note that senior defensive back Marcus Lewis was back at practice today after missing the Rutgers game with a knee injury.
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