Here are some notes from spring practice so far.
- The guy I continue to hear the most about is sophomore TE CJ Dippre. He's simply a man child and a big time blocker, but has apparently really shown out so far as a pass catcher. He arrived in College Park already looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger and as one of the strongest players on the team, but he's looked much more fluid as a route runner and has really improved in the passing game. Hopefully this carries over into the fall season as it would be great for Lia to have two pass-catching TE threats in both Dippre and Corey Dyches.
- Of the injured WR, both Jeshaun Jones and Marcus Fleming are back participating in spring ball, while Dontay Demus is still sidelined with a boot on his leg. This is big news as Lia is going to need his full arsenal of weapons available this season as the offense is likely going to need to put up a lot of points in order to win games. Those three plus Rakim Jarrett and Florida transfer Jacob Copeland should be one of the top WR corps in the country once they are all fully healthy.
- This really shouldn't come as any surprise, but the guy getting the most buzz on defense is Jaishawn Barham. He's pretty much looked the part, as expected. While he can play both inside and outside, he is likely going to have to play outside this year to make up for the loss of Demeioun Robinson. But he seems to be living up to the hype and he's someone to be really excited about.
- The Terps will pretty much have the same starting OL as last season, with Jaelyn Duncan at LT, Mason Lunsford at LG, Aric Harris at C, Johari Branch at RG and Spencer Anderson at RT. The big question is the second unit. As of now it looks like the 2nd group will be Tommy Valhall at LT, Amelio Moran at LG, Sean Wilkins at C, Ja'Khi Green at RG and Delmar Glaze at RT. Two guys in the second unit are walk-ons, but both are pretty big as Vahall is 6-foot-8, 315 and Wilkins is 6-foot-4, 310. Having all the starters back and a number of backups who saw significant minutes and even a few starts at the spot they are at this spring is really big for continuity on offense.
- At RB, Challen Faamatau is likely to be the lead back next season, but I've also heard some good things about redshirt freshman Antwain Littleton. He looked good with limited carries in the Pinstripe Bowl and that seems to have carried over to this spring. His opportunities are still likely to be somewhat limited, with Faamatu, Colby McDonald and Roman Henby all having looked good down the stretch last season, as well. But with his size, Littleton could and should be the prime candidate for goal line carries.
- The guy I continue to hear the most about is sophomore TE CJ Dippre. He's simply a man child and a big time blocker, but has apparently really shown out so far as a pass catcher. He arrived in College Park already looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger and as one of the strongest players on the team, but he's looked much more fluid as a route runner and has really improved in the passing game. Hopefully this carries over into the fall season as it would be great for Lia to have two pass-catching TE threats in both Dippre and Corey Dyches.
- Of the injured WR, both Jeshaun Jones and Marcus Fleming are back participating in spring ball, while Dontay Demus is still sidelined with a boot on his leg. This is big news as Lia is going to need his full arsenal of weapons available this season as the offense is likely going to need to put up a lot of points in order to win games. Those three plus Rakim Jarrett and Florida transfer Jacob Copeland should be one of the top WR corps in the country once they are all fully healthy.
- This really shouldn't come as any surprise, but the guy getting the most buzz on defense is Jaishawn Barham. He's pretty much looked the part, as expected. While he can play both inside and outside, he is likely going to have to play outside this year to make up for the loss of Demeioun Robinson. But he seems to be living up to the hype and he's someone to be really excited about.
- The Terps will pretty much have the same starting OL as last season, with Jaelyn Duncan at LT, Mason Lunsford at LG, Aric Harris at C, Johari Branch at RG and Spencer Anderson at RT. The big question is the second unit. As of now it looks like the 2nd group will be Tommy Valhall at LT, Amelio Moran at LG, Sean Wilkins at C, Ja'Khi Green at RG and Delmar Glaze at RT. Two guys in the second unit are walk-ons, but both are pretty big as Vahall is 6-foot-8, 315 and Wilkins is 6-foot-4, 310. Having all the starters back and a number of backups who saw significant minutes and even a few starts at the spot they are at this spring is really big for continuity on offense.
- At RB, Challen Faamatau is likely to be the lead back next season, but I've also heard some good things about redshirt freshman Antwain Littleton. He looked good with limited carries in the Pinstripe Bowl and that seems to have carried over to this spring. His opportunities are still likely to be somewhat limited, with Faamatu, Colby McDonald and Roman Henby all having looked good down the stretch last season, as well. But with his size, Littleton could and should be the prime candidate for goal line carries.
