Terps lack experience, but gain speed, depth
If a coach’s affection for his team correlated to wins, Maryland might go undefeated.
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The running theme this preseason for Terps coach Ralph Friedgen was the coachability and exuberance of his young squad.
It’s a change from last year’s experienced but inconsistent team, which Friedgen struggled to reach. The 2008 Terps produced four victories over ranked teams, coupled with confounding losses to Virginia and Middle Tennessee.
“There doesn’t seem to be a ‘Don’t worry coach, we got it down’ type attitude,” said Friedgen. “This team is fun to be around.”
Constantly energized by his players in the preseason, Friedgen, 62, showed his appreciation by closing camp early on Saturday, canceling an afternoon practice. A week earlier, the ninth-year coach blew off practice and took his team to a movie, sci-fi thriller, “District 9.”
“We could have seen anything. It didn’t matter. We were out of practice,” said senior center Phil Costa. “It was a big surprise. It was a good surprise.”
With a team lacking in experience, but with improved speed and depth at the skill positions, Maryland has a chance to improve last year’s 8-5 record, especially if the chemistry is good.
“He reminds us we’re working hard. We know he’s pleased,” said senior cornerback Nolan Carroll. “Camps past, guys are just trying to get through it. He doesn’t like that. Instead of counting the periods, make the periods count.”
After double-digit wins in Friedgen’s first three seasons, Maryland’s fortunes have leveled off the last five years and along with it have come questions about Friedgen’s job security. But the coach has been energized by his own improved health and the attitude of his players.
“He lost 105 pounds, so we know he’s feeling good about that,” said Costa. “But we have a different kind of team this year where guys come out, they’re not just going to throw their hat out there and say, ‘I’m a senior and I’m ready to play.’ This team works hard in practice and I think it will transfer over to the games.”
And if Maryland plays well against No. 14 California in the season opener Saturday, maybe Friedgen will treat them to another movie.
“When I told them [about the movie], they actually got up and were rolling on the ground,” said Friedgen. “I’ve never done some of the things I’ve done in this camp. I see a different bunch of kids, which gives me the optimism I have.”
