COLLEGE PARK, MD – With the season opener against James Madison on August 30 rapidly approaching, the Maryland football team gave its fans a look at the 2014 Terps during Fan Appreciation Day Saturday at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium.
The event consisted of a two-hour scrimmage followed by an autograph session with the players on the field.
The Terrapin defense put on a strong performance, forcing five turnovers and producing a number of big plays. Defensive back Jeremiah Johnson took a pick back for a touchdown late in proceedings after junior Denzel Conyers, junior Sean Davis and freshman Josh Woods all recorded interceptions.
Woods’ pick may have been the nicest play of the bunch as he made an over the shoulder catch on a throw intended for sophomore Jacquille Veii down the field.
“We did alright. We had some explosive plays and scored on defense,” Davis said. “I think we did a solid job stopping the run and we attacked the ball well in the air.”
The offense also showed well. Senior Deon Long nabbed a slant pass from junior Caleb Rowe and ran through defenders for a 53-yard score. For the day, Long caught eight passes for 136 yards. Rowe also threw a touchdown pass to redshirt freshman Taivon Jacobs.
In the kicking game, redshirt freshman Adam Greene and junior Brad Craddock both were 1-for-3 on the day with Greene connecting from 47 yards.
The winning score came when Will Ulmer found Malcolm Culmer on a short throw. Freshman defensive back Daniel Ezeagwu also performed well throughout the scrimmage.
“We wanted to see some guys. Alvin [Hill] didn’t go today because we wanted to see Daniel and now we will evaluate it,” Edsall said. “He’s done some good things in camp. We’ll see how he graded out today and see if he can get on the bus or if he’s going to be able to contribute in some way.”
Overall, head coach Randy Edsall saw some positives in today’s effort.
“I thought there was some good and some bad today, but again, the big thing is today to get a look at different guys and see what they could do so we can evaluate some more,” head coach Randy Edsall said. “The players are off tomorrow to get their legs back and the coaches will sit down and evaluate today’s scrimmage along with what took place the previous practices we had and then we will probably come up with a new depth chart on Monday.”
The Terps open the season August 30 against James Madison at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium.
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