A strange twist at tailback
Going into their redshirt sophomore years, Da'Rel Scott and Morgan Green were supposed to be the No. 1A and 1B tailbacks for the Terps, replacing Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore. If Ralph Friedgen was concerned with either, it was Scott, who had spent much of his first two years in College Park fighting injuries and a reputation for being a little soft.
Going into Saturday's second scrimmage at Byrd Stadium, Scott has been the team's top running back in preseason camp and is starting to shed his label as a "track guy" who can't take the physicality of college football. Green has been something of a quandary, injuring his left quad muscle early in camp and not seeing much action so far.
"He just says he can't go,'' Friedgen said Friday after morning practice in College Park. "The trainer says he can. He (Green) wants to be 100 percent. That's a strange deal. He knows best. He just has to get in there. What I worry about is wearing the other two guys out.''
As of Friday, true freshman Davin Meggett has moved into the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind Scott and ahead of senior Rashad Henry. Friedgen said that he expects Meggett to play as a freshman. Another true freshman, Gary Douglas, has also been impressive during the preseason, according to Friedgen.
Asked if there was a certain date which Green has to be ready in order to play in the Aug. 30 season opener against Delaware, Friedgen smiled.
"Time's passing him by,'' the Fridge said sardonically. "He's a reps guy, he needs reps. I can't make him go.''
Comments
Here's the deal. Maryland has been killed by teams that put the ball in the hands of their speed guys the past couple of years. How come Maryland hasn't figured that out and put the ball in the hands of guys such as Scott, Heyward-Bey, and now Meggett? There's a spot for Green but it's during grind it out time when you have a big lead. I'm not sure any of these guys is a full-time player, though.
Posted by: ron | August 16, 2008 9:15 AM
Jeff...do you hear anything about Bonato...I think he is a walk on but has done well in spring and first scrimmage?
Posted by: UMDFAN | August 16, 2008 3:51 PM
Green doesn't seem to understand football. If he can't take reps in practice because he is not "100%" then he is never going to make it at any level. No one is ever 100% once the season gets going. Can't play through pain = a nice spot on the bench. Maryland has no time or room for players who can't strap it up and play. Better put that scholarship to good use Morgan.
Posted by: virtueandvice | August 18, 2008 8:47 AM
So much for this season...
With the decision to start Steffy at QB, Friedgen has killed any chance this team had of finishing with a winning record.
I wonder who the next coach is going to be...
Posted by: Rick | August 18, 2008 3:25 PM
when do the times for all of the football games come out?
Posted by: Daniel | August 20, 2008 11:52 AM
I can't believe Fridge is going with Steffy over Turner. Steffy is a great character guy and a nice back-up, but Turner and Portis are the one two punch this team needs for the next two years. With Turner, Portis, Scott and Heyward-Bey this offense could win the Atlantic. With Steffy at the helm its fifth place and no bowl game...
Posted by: SHOREFAN | August 20, 2008 2:20 PM
And to think Green's commitment was the reason we withdrew Steve Slaton's scholarship. Way to prove yourself, Morgan.
Posted by: Scratch | August 20, 2008 2:51 PM