Quarterback Sam Hollenbach is more comfortable the second time around with the Redskins. Then again, the huddle is a near deja vu experience with three former Maryland teammates.
Offensive tackle Stephon Heyer, guard Andrew Crummey, tight end Jason Goode and Hollenbach led the crosstown Terrapins to the 2006 Champs Bowl victory over Purdue before separating. Heyer was last year’s rookie surprise with the Redskins while Hollenbach was released before re-signing for the final game. Crummey and Goode are now rookie free agents.
“It is fun stepping in the huddle and seeing J-Goode, Crummey and Stephon,” Hollenbach said. “It brings a little sense of we’ve done this before, we can keep doing it. It just helps you perform a little better.”
It’s pretty rare for an NFL quarterback to have three college linemates with him, even more so given Maryland is not a traditional college powerhouse like Southern Cal where entire lineups get a pro look. Still, the Terps pro offense and coach Ralph Friedgen’s intense workouts have sent a steady flow of Maryland players to the NFL. Sean Merriman and Vernon Davis were recent first-round stars.
But four Terps at Redskin Park? In past years maybe one or two would be seen, and usually not for long.
“It is kinda cool that the teammates are still playing together,” Redskins coach Jim Zorn admitted.
The Redskins have long scouted the local college team, but Heyer may have been the breakthrough for the Terps to get second looks. Undrafted last year after missing 2005 with a torn ACL that hampered his following senior season, Heyer became a stopgap starter when injuries ravaged the Redskins line.
“I definitely helped open their eyes to see the talent’s there,” Heyer said. “The Redskins are trying to look out for us and trying to stay home and find some guys along the way that can help. I told [former Terps teammates] if you’re willing to work you have a good chance of making the team and who knows?”
Crummey was a possible mid-round pick before suffering a broken leg last fall and re-injuring it in a January all-star game. He flunked a physical with San Diego before signing with Washington. Heyer’s still not completely healed, but the Redskins are gambling Heyer’s linemate is another steal.
“[Offensive line coach Joe Bugel] made a big deal about it. He had a lot of respect for what Stephon did,” Crummey said. “Stephon came in, learned the system and progressed. I have something to emulate.”
Ironically, the quartet conceded the Terps workouts are harder than the Redskins. Three hours on the field are nothing in College Park while shorter pro practices concentrate more on mental aspects.
“Fridge is a lot harder. A lot harder. A lot of do overs. You don’t do do-overs in the league,” Heyer said.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
