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Post-practice observations:
We got a very short look-in today, only a couple periods. The area where the injured players rehab was empty. Guessing they want to keep the injured players away from the prying eyes of the media.
Speaking of injured players, D.J. Matthews was out in full pads and was taking part in all the wide receiver drills. From Corey Clark: D.J. Matthews might still be having back issues, he might still be held out of contact portions of practice, but he doesn't seem to have lost a step. Running through drills with the other wide receivers he looked to be as quick as anyone. Didn't seem to be favoring anything at all.
Marvin Wilson was out full dressed in pads and was taking part in the DT drills against the sled. After one drill, Odell Haggins yelled, "Good job, Marv!" I did notice when they went to the full 11-on-11 portion of practice that Wilson went over to the rehab area.
For the second straight day Xavier Peters was out practicing but without pads. Apparently he's still within the five-day acclimatization period.
Got to watch some of the wide receivers doing drills. D.J. Matthews looked really smooth and didn't show any signs of his injury. Tamorrion Terry ran through the drill the quickest and drew praise from David Kelly. So did Warren Thompson and Keyshawn Helton. Funny quote from David Kelly - when one of the receivers had his head down during a drill he said 'Stop looking at the ground, it's not going anywhere... and if it does we are all in trouble."
Only got to watch the quarterbacks for one period doing one drill. But it was an interesting one. Each QB throws three straight passes while a staffer bounces a big green ball next to them. As the ball is thrown the green ball is scooted in front of them by their feet. Guessing this is designed for them to stay focused despite distractions going on around them (see photo below).
Did not see Cole Minshew out there again today. Since we didn't speak to Taggart or Greg Frey today we weren't able to ask about his status.
Look for more video, an interview with David Kelly and a story from Corey Clark coming later.
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New: WRs coach David Kelly
Walt Bell was asked about Maryland -- said its a pleasure to come to work everyday with people that are smiling. He was vague with his answer, but he said plenty by not saying much at all about specifics, imo. Anyway, watch the video.
When asked about freshmen that have stood out so far, he mentioned Keyshawn Helton immediately. That guy seems to be impressing everyone.
David Kelly was asked how much blocking matters when grading WRs, he said it was huge. Because they might catch just 10 passes a day, but they're ALWAYS blocking.
Kelly said running up tempo might seem "sexy" to his WRs, but when they have to run and get in position quickly they have to be in great shape.
Cam Akers had positive things to say about Francois' leadership, said he's taken some big steps in the last year.
Landon Dickerson was asked about Brian Burns, said he's making him better every day, but he tries not to treat him any differently than any other DE. Even though he is. Dickerson also said he played a little tackle in HS, but not much.
Dickerson also said he's not a hip hop guy, doesn't know any of the words to the songs, but is still out there dancing.
Nyqwan Murray on wearing #80 and not waiting for a single digit -- just give me a number, I'mr ready to play. Says he feared the worst with his knee injury but will be back for the opener. Also approaching and attacking final season with great enthusiasm.
Post-practice observations:
We got a very short look-in today, only a couple periods. The area where the injured players rehab was empty. Guessing they want to keep the injured players away from the prying eyes of the media.
Speaking of injured players, D.J. Matthews was out in full pads and was taking part in all the wide receiver drills. From Corey Clark: D.J. Matthews might still be having back issues, he might still be held out of contact portions of practice, but he doesn't seem to have lost a step. Running through drills with the other wide receivers he looked to be as quick as anyone. Didn't seem to be favoring anything at all.
Marvin Wilson was out full dressed in pads and was taking part in the DT drills against the sled. After one drill, Odell Haggins yelled, "Good job, Marv!" I did notice when they went to the full 11-on-11 portion of practice that Wilson went over to the rehab area.
For the second straight day Xavier Peters was out practicing but without pads. Apparently he's still within the five-day acclimatization period.
Got to watch some of the wide receivers doing drills. D.J. Matthews looked really smooth and didn't show any signs of his injury. Tamorrion Terry ran through the drill the quickest and drew praise from David Kelly. So did Warren Thompson and Keyshawn Helton. Funny quote from David Kelly - when one of the receivers had his head down during a drill he said 'Stop looking at the ground, it's not going anywhere... and if it does we are all in trouble."
Only got to watch the quarterbacks for one period doing one drill. But it was an interesting one. Each QB throws three straight passes while a staffer bounces a big green ball next to them. As the ball is thrown the green ball is scooted in front of them by their feet. Guessing this is designed for them to stay focused despite distractions going on around them (see photo below).
Did not see Cole Minshew out there again today. Since we didn't speak to Taggart or Greg Frey today we weren't able to ask about his status.
Look for more video, an interview with David Kelly and a story from Corey Clark coming later.
----------
New: WRs coach David Kelly
Walt Bell was asked about Maryland -- said its a pleasure to come to work everyday with people that are smiling. He was vague with his answer, but he said plenty by not saying much at all about specifics, imo. Anyway, watch the video.
When asked about freshmen that have stood out so far, he mentioned Keyshawn Helton immediately. That guy seems to be impressing everyone.
David Kelly was asked how much blocking matters when grading WRs, he said it was huge. Because they might catch just 10 passes a day, but they're ALWAYS blocking.
Kelly said running up tempo might seem "sexy" to his WRs, but when they have to run and get in position quickly they have to be in great shape.
Cam Akers had positive things to say about Francois' leadership, said he's taken some big steps in the last year.
Landon Dickerson was asked about Brian Burns, said he's making him better every day, but he tries not to treat him any differently than any other DE. Even though he is. Dickerson also said he played a little tackle in HS, but not much.
Dickerson also said he's not a hip hop guy, doesn't know any of the words to the songs, but is still out there dancing.
Nyqwan Murray on wearing #80 and not waiting for a single digit -- just give me a number, I'mr ready to play. Says he feared the worst with his knee injury but will be back for the opener. Also approaching and attacking final season with great enthusiasm.
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