Open practice provides early glimpse of Terps
COLLEGE PARK — The public got its first view during Saturday’s open practice of what coach DJ Durkin’s first Maryland team might look like when the Terps open their season in two weeks against Howard.
The offense and defense showed much more than during the Red-White spring game in April, and Durkin was pleased with what he saw.
“There’s some things we did right; there’s some things we made mistakes. So go back and watch the film and learn from it. That’s the important thing,” he said. “They did a good job. It was a good day for us.”
There are still plenty of questions surrounding key positions — Durkin has yet to tip his hand at quarterback — but many units that have been working together during the past two weeks stayed together during the scrimmage. And some players who appear to be on their way to earning starting jobs made cameo appearances.
Cornerback Will Likely, who has worn a yellow noncontact jersey all of camp, joined the defense for a while before heading to the sideline. “I’m 100 percent,” said the senior, who noted the steps the team has taken since reporting to practice Aug. 7.
“As far as secondary-wise, you’ve got a lot of new guys there, freshmen, so our goal every day is just to get better, so that’s what we really have done,” Likely said.
Maryland will break camp late next week before settling into its game-week routine for the season opener. Saturday provided a chance for the Terps to emerge from the daily practice grind, and Durkin was appreciative of the couple of hundred people watching at Maryland Stadium.
“We love our fans,” Durkin said. “Recruits, their families, everyone that’s here, it’s all part of it. This is our stadium, our team, and so we love everyone out here.” Harrison could contribute as freshman: When running backs coach Anthony Tucker watches Lorenzo Harrison play, he thinks about video games. “He’s just going so fast,” Tucker said Tuesday at media day. “Can’t keep up with him.”
For the first time as a college player, Harrison had the opportunity to showcase his talent. While he was working with the second and third teams, and players hit but didn’t go to the ground, Harrison made an impression.
“He’s been really good all camp,” Durkin said. “He’s been really hard to tackle. He’s been consistent. He’s a hard worker, so I like him. He doesn’t act like a freshman most of the time, and that’s a good thing.”
Harrison, a three-star recruit from DeMatha, rushed for 1,341 yards on 121 carries and scored 14 touchdowns in helping lead the Stags to another Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship and was the first commit in Maryland’s 2016 class.
Since he has arrived in College Park this summer, he has turned heads with his power and shifty moves.
On Saturday, he took a handoff from freshman quarterback Tyrrell Pigrome around midfield and picked his way inside the 20.
Harrison is “going to have the chance to be a really special player,” offensive coordinator Walt Bell said. Quick hits: Junior Jesse Aniebonam (illness) returned to practice, while redshirt sophomore Melvin Keihn (Gilman) was a full participant after wearing a noncontact jersey Friday. Aniebonam and Keihn continued their battle for the starting job at the defensive end-outside linebacker position . ... Wide receiver Taivon Jacobs (undisclosed injury) again did not participate . ... Cornerback JC Jackson was wearing a noncontact jersey again, but he broke up a pass from quarterback Perry Hills to wide receiver DeAndre Lane along the sideline and delivered some hits on Maryland’s wide receivers . ... Senior Caleb Rowe and redshirt freshman Gage Shaffer did not take snaps during the open practice. “They’ll both be fine,” Durkin said . ... Junior Adam Greene (Broadneck) made field goals of 44, 46 and 37 yards. Freshman Mike Shinsky (McDonogh) made his attempt from 40 yards. Junior Danny Sutton had a long attempt blocked. ... Freshman Wade Lees punted the most. “He can punt pro-style, he can roll out rugby-style, he can end-over-end, spiral. He can do it all,” Durkin said. “That’s a good weapon for us to be able to swing the field.”