Reality check for Maryland running game
No one thought it would be easy to replace Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore, who left Maryland as No. 4 and No. 14, respectively, on the school's career rushing list.
Still, Terrapins fans have been excited at the potential of third-year running backs Morgan Green and Da'Rel Scott. Fans had already seen plenty of the speedy Scott as a kick returner.
Maryland coaches are optimistic about the running backs’ potential, too.
But here’s a reality check:
Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen continues to say that the running game needs work as the Terps enter their first game week preparations before hosting Delaware on Saturday.
“I think we’re still struggling with it,” Friedgen says. “We just have a lot of guys that haven’t had the reps they need to get. We’re still limited in that capacity. I think we’re much further along in the passing game.”
Injuries have been a factor, limiting Green’s practice time. “I don’t know what’s the problem,” said Friedgen, sounding exasperated. “Something must be really wrong with his leg.”
It is sobering that Green and Scott have combined for just 17 career rushes.
Comments
the running game will be fine if we dont use the same predictable offense every series.
Posted by: dhb4-7 | August 26, 2008 1:32 AM
Jeff-- you are pretty good with that "Coach-speak"-- you sound almost as good as Ralph. But here's a diffrent take-- you move on and get the next two kids ready. As good as Ball and Lattimore were, the fact is Scott has something you can't teach--
speed. Frankly, I would be more concerned about who hands them the ball and hoping the kids up front can stay healthy.
Posted by: Bryce Be Quick | August 26, 2008 7:39 AM
What a weak article, try mentioning Meggett, hes our number 2 back right now. Not highly recruited but having a great camp, he deserves some respect. What about the offensive line, arn't they a big part of any running game? Lets have a complete article next time!
Posted by: jeff Ward | August 26, 2008 4:29 PM
Scott and Meggett will be very good this year. But we need to bring back the option - something that dissappeared about the same time we started losing.
Posted by: scott | August 26, 2008 4:45 PM