Danny O’Brien has spent the offseason watching game film — NFL film.
Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning and especially one-time ACC gunslinger Philip Rivers are his role models. The Maryland quarterback is amid his second spring practices after earning ACC freshman of the year honors, but the word “NFL” slips out occasionally.
“Day to day, I don’t think about it, but [new coach Randy Edsall’s] the guy that can get me where I want to go,” he said. “He’s coached 17 quarterbacks in college that have gone on to the NFL. He has the resume. I’m excited.”
Forgive O’Brien if he’s in a hurry because that’s standard mode around College Park nowadays. Edsall is installing a much quicker offense — Oregon quick. No huddles. Seconds between snaps. Defenses will not be able to get packages on the field in time.
Edsall already has O’Brien at full speed as the Terrapins prepare for the annual Red-White game on April 30. Cardio conditioning is as important as weight training because O’Brien must spit out the play immediately and go to the line. There will be no catching his breath between plays.
“We’re going to be more in control than huddling up and calling a play every play,” O’Brien said. “What we run may be a little different, but the style may be similar to [Oregon.]”
The Terps return 48 lettermen and 14 starters from last year’s surprising 9-4 team that won the Military Bowl. Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson decided to change coaches, though, and bought out Ralph Friedgen’s final year.
Edsall aims to revive slumping attendance with a high-octane offense, and O’Brien and four returning offensive linemen are the key. O’Brien’s 2,438 yards were sixth most by a freshman in ACC history, while his 22 touchdown passes were the second most in Maryland history.
Gary Crowton met with O’Brien for an hour when he interviewed for offensive coordinator. O’Brien’s that important to the system.
“Danny is exciting to be around,” Crowton said. “I just want to build off last year. Just want him to grow.”
But that means learning a new offense, which O’Brien conceded was tougher because he needed to forget the last one. While the Terps will run more than last season, it’s still all about what O’Brien can deliver. The problem is not pressuring himself into a sophomore slump.
“Expectations take care of themselves, but I don’t approach the game any differently,” he said. “I like the responsibility of directing things. It’s what I like to do. I’ve embraced it.
“Friedgen was a great coach, but change is good. We’re looking forward to surprising teams.”
Like Miami in the nationally televised opener on Sept. 5. Given the NFL’s stalled status, the Monday night game could receive unprecedented attention. It might be five months away, but O’Brien hasn’t forgotten the last-second loss to the Hurricanes five months ago.
“How we lost was tough. We still remember that,” he said. “It will be motivation.”
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
