Notes from Maryland’s spring practice opener Saturday.
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- Quarterback C.J. Brown has gained 15 pounds since the end of last season, going from 195 to 210. His right arm looked strong and sharp. In a two-minute drill to close practice, however, he was unable to move the team, victimized by a familiar theme from 2011 – a pair of drops by his receivers. One came when Brown threw a 20-yard strike to sophomore Marcus Leak on a post pattern. Brown only ran a few times. Once, when Brown pulled up as he approached defenders, offensive coordinator Mike Locksley instructed Brown to “run through the whistle.”
- Senior offensive tackle Justin Gilbert, who was left off the spring depth chart after rolling his ankle – an injury previously believed to be more serious — practiced with no limitations. Gilbert and junior Nick Klemm are the starting tackles after the transfer of starters R.J. Dill and Max Garcia. “I got the old man thing going on now. It’s my fourth spring now,” said Gilbert who suffered a torn ACL of his left knee in the fall of 2010 and then again last spring. “Knees feel great. Body feels great. Anxious to get a good senior year in.”
- Junior cornerback Isaac Goins got the biggest ovation, closing practice with a pick six on a sideline pass. Goins, a 6-foot, 185 transfer from Contra Costa College (Calif.), is competing with sophomore Jeremiah Johnson (Suitland) and returning starter, junior Dexter McDougle, who also had a pick six on Saturday. Both of the interceptions came against walk-on quarterback Ricky Schultz. Coach Randy Edsall gave Johnson high marks as well for his off-season work, physical improvements, and confidence.
- Edsall said he was pleased with winter conditioning numbers, especially for many of the freshmen, One upperclassman who has made impressive gains, according to Edsall, is senior tight end Devonte Campbell.
- Sophomore running backs Brandon Ross and Justus Pickett ran well. Senior wideout Kerry Boykins made several strong catches.
