Saturday night?s game against visiting Florida State puts Maryland on one of football?s biggest stages. For senior kicker Dan Ennis, it?s just another thrilling moment during his dream ride in College Park.
In 2002, Ennis, then a freshman, walked on as a lifelong Terps football fan with no game experience as a kicker. Granted, he was Glenelg High?s most valuable soccer midfielder as a senior, but he never kicked a football in a game situation until 2003.
“It was definitely crazy,” Ennis said when asked to think back on his first game. “And I lose sight of the fact that four years ago, I had never kicked a field goal.”
This season, Ennis has hit 11 of 15 field goal attempts, with a career-long 46-yard field goal against Georgia Tech on Oct. 7.
“He always wanted to come to Maryland,” Terps coach Ralph Friedgen said. “And when he got here, he could barely kick an extra point.”
Ennis admits he was inexperienced, but denies Friedgen?s claim with a good sense of humor.
“I could kick an extra point, for my defense,” Ennis said.
At that time, he said his range would allow him to hit a low, line-drive kick from 45 yards.
“Something that could have been blocked easily in an actual game situation,” Ennis said.
Now, Ennis feels comfortable enough ? in ideal kicking conditions ? to attempt a kick from 52 yards.
“With a little bit of wind, maybe even a little bit more,” Ennis said.
Last weekend, Ennis accounted for 14 points on two point-afters and four field goals ? between 18 and 40 yards ? in Maryland?s 26-20 win over N.C. State.
“Dan?s been the man,” junior running back Lance Ball said. “He definitely helped us get the [win over N.C. State]. He?s been an asset to the offense with the field goals.”
Now, the Terps (5-2), who have a chance to become bowl eligible with another win, face an even greater test in Florida State (4-3). Ennis is looking forward to the challenge.
“It?s hard to like Florida State,” he said. “I had a friend growing up whose favorite team was Florida State, and growing up a Maryland fan, I could never fathom that.”
As the Terps face the Seminoles? stout defense, Ennis? right leg almost certainly will play a key role in Saturday?s game.
“You know that it?s a big game regardless of what they?re ranked,” Ennis said.
THE ENNIS FILE
» Age: 22
» Height: 5-foot-10
» Weight: 158 pounds
» Major: History
» High School: Glenelg
