Maryland quarterback Sam Hollenbach has been wearing the same baseball cap for nearly three years, a rapidly fading 2004 Gator Bowl hat.
“I was about to wear it but I figured it’s in the transition stage so I didn’t go with it,” said Hollenbach on Tuesday. “As soon as my Champs Bowl hat comes, that thing is going to be retired.”
Now a fifth-year senior on the verge of graduation, Hollenbach is preparing for more than just a change in headgear. He is preparing for the final game with his current team and the shift to the next stage of his life.
Hollenbach and fellow Terps cornerback Josh Wilson (DeMatha High), punter Adam Podlesh and left tackle Stephon Heyer all harbor NFL dreams. Against Purdue in the Champs Sports Bowl on Dec. 29, these key seniors have one last chance to show their mettle to scouts in a truly competitive environment.
“Every game is important, this game especially because they have a quarterback and receivers who are very good and very talented,” said Wilson of Purdue. “I’m going to have step up and show that I can stop one of the great passing games in the nation.”
Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen said Heyer would play in the Hula Bowl, and Hollenbach said he’s also working out his postseason options and admits throwing five interceptions their last two regular-season games may have hurt him. The bowl game offers a chance for redemption.
“It’s huge,” Hollenbach said. “Like anything in football, you’re as good as your last performance, and that’s how you’re judged.”
Friedgen said bowl games can be bittersweet for seniors but are important when it comes to impressing pro scouts.
“It’s not going to hurt,” Friedgen said. “It’s always going to help them. Any time you play against a top caliber team, you’re going to be evaluated for that game.”
Wilson’s final game audition will be at the Senior Bowl along with Podlesh.
“I’m happy I got invited to the Senior Bowl,” said Wilson. “It’s going to give me another chance to have another game to get better and show the NFL that I can play there.”
Christmas on the road
» The Terrapins will travel to Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 22, giving them nearly a week to practice prior to the Champs Sports Bowl on Dec. 29.
The trade-off? Missing Christmas at home. Senior cornerback Josh Wilson said his mom is not happy. Her birthday is Christmas day and it will be the first Christmas for his niece. But it’s nearly certain to be warmer in Orlando than in College Park.
“I spent five years growing up in Texas,” said Wilson. “There, Christmas Day it was like 80 degrees. I’m used to it being warm.”
