No-huddle look could await Maryland in opener

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While Maryland doesn't get practice underway until Tuesday, Navy is already underway.

In a post-practice transcript from yesterday provided by Navy, coach Ken Niumatalolo had quite the interesting subject brought up --- especially if anyone got the chance to see the Midshipmen in their bowl game last year:

Q. In the Texas Bowl game you unveiled the no-huddle offense. Are you still considering doing some no-huddle?

A. We are still working on stuff and we are still expanding some other wrinkles, but after that game it will definitely be part of what we do.

Q. But it won?t be all the time right?

A. We will kind of pick and choose and see what they are doing on defense. If guys are trying to do a bunch of different things on defense we will try and change the pace on them. It will definitely be a part of our package.

So, not only is Maryland dealing with an offense it rarely if ever sees, it will probably see it at an accelerated pace. Of course, that probably isn't a surprise given how much Navy exploited the hurry-up against Missouri last December.

Will it matter for the Terrapins is probably more pressing than how much they'll see it. Among the most consistent aspects of Ralph Friedgen's time at Maryland is insisting on quick turnarounds between plays, and the Terps' emphasis on defense this year is getting more speed and athleticism on the field.

With the element of surprise gone, a no-huddle probably won't have quite the same impact for Navy should it opt to go in that direction. But it's just one more thing for Maryland to have to contend with as it tries to ignite a turnaround season on Labor Day, and that will probably be a plenty big headache on its own.

 

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Five position battles to watch during Maryland's camp

In less than 24 hours, Maryland will begin its football camp.

The priority is obvious: Improving on last year's 2-10 record.

The biggest question is whether it's possible to reach a bowl game. The next four weeks won't determine that unless Maryland faces the worst August injury epidemic in history.

What could --- nay, will --- be determined are the identities of starters at the following positions.

1. RIGHT GUARD

The candidates: Bennett Fulper (So.), Justin Lewis (R-So.)

The status: Listed as co-starters on preseason depth chart

The battle: Fulper is coming off shoulder surgery that ended his season a month early. Lewis struggled as a redshirt freshman and underwent offseason knee surgery. Barring injuries, the other four spots seem fairly solidified at this point.

The guess: Fulper got on the field immediately as a true freshman, and his ability to pick up the offense quickly endeared him to coaches. Both guys will play, but the hunch here is Fulper draws the opening day start.

2. CORNERBACK

The candidates: Trenton Hughes (R-Jr.), Dexter McDougle (R-Fr.)

The status: Listed as co-starters on preseason depth chart

The battle: Both guys have already said this isn't a battle, so let's revise it to "competition" instead. Hughes played well in the second half of a loss to Virginia Tech last November, his only extended time. McDougle nearly played as a true freshman, but wound up retaining his redshirt. Both are athletics.

The guess: This one could easily go back-and-forth all camp --- and even well into the season. Both are going to play, and with a defensive back-heavy scheme, they might both wind up being on the field for the majority of the Terps' snaps. The call is Hughes starts the opener, but both guys see plenty of time.

3. DEFENSIVE END

The candidates: Drew Gloster (R-Sr.), Derek Drummond (R-Jr.), Bradley Johnson (R-Fr.)

The status: Gloster listed as starter; Drummond No. 2; Johnson No. 3

The battle: Gloster moved to defensive end in the spring and thrived, wresting the starting spot from Drummond. His speed and agility is coveted by a staff that wasn't to put as much quickness on the field as possible. That attribute also helps Johnson, who was a revelation to coaches as a pass rusher in the spring.

The guess: Gloster, now on his third position, will finally make his first career start in the opener. Drummond will see time as line coach Dave Sollazzo rotates players to keep them fresh. Johnson will play a lot on third down in passing situations.

4. TIGHT END

The candidates: Devonte Campbell (R-So.), Lansford Watson (R-Jr.), Matt Furstenburg (R-So.), Will Yeatman (Sr.)

The status: Campbell and Watson are listed as co-starters

The battle: Campbelll emerged as Maryland's starting tight end in the final month of 2009. Both are big and athletic, and Maryland will try to find a use for both of them. Furstenburg figures to be a blocking option, while Yeatman is a wild card after not playing the last two years.

The guess: Campbell, who can line up out wide and also at fullback, is the most versatile of the bunch. Hence, he'll probably be on the field more. It's a crucial year for Watson, who has shown glimmers of talent the last two seasons. It will be fascinating to see what Yeatman, who played on Maryland's lacrosse team the last two years, can provide.

5. TAILBACK

The candidates: Da'Rel Scott (R-Sr.), Davin Meggett (Jr.), D.J. Adams (R-Fr.), Gary Douglas (R-So.)

The status: Scott and Meggett are listed as co-starters

The battle: Scott has outplayed Meggett in consecutive seasons and started when available. Adams, a big, strong back who runs like he's angry, is going to factor in somehow. Douglas, an elusive option out of the backfield and potentially nifty receiver, is not to be forgotten.

The guess: If healthy, Scott will start and Meggett will take a fair number of carries as well. Adams has the look of emerging as a goal-line back. Douglas could easily wind up being used heavily on third downs. The depth chart will look the same at the end of camp, with the exception of Scott being tabbed as the alpha back entering his final season.