If you tuned in to ESPN’s broadcast of the Terrapins’ stunning victory over Clemson, then you probably heard play-by-play commentator Pam Ward raving about Adam Podlesh’s deft punting skills and overall athleticism.
What you didn’t hear about is a little experiment The Fridge tried out with his gifted senior punter earlier this season. In addition to completing his normal practice routine, Podlesh took reps at wide receiver. Yes, before The Fridge ended the trial after a few days, the possibility existed that Podlesh would have to use his hands more than his foot.
The experiment spoke to two things:
1. Podlesh can flat-out run (he clocked a 4.44 40-yard dash in the spring).
2. The Terps severely lack depth at the wide receiver position.
These facts – fortunately and unfortunately, respectively – have not changed from earlier this season. What has? The continued improvement of a precocious and blossoming wide receiver trio, which has allowed The Fridge to forget about the Podlesh experiment and his team’s scarcity of useful receivers. Until you ask him about it, that is.
“What separates them from the others is that they know what they’re doing, and the others don’t,” The Fridge said. “That’s a little bit of a disappointment to me, to be honest with you. I’ve never experienced that in all the years I’ve coached.”
The “them” referred to are guys who either saw limited action at receiver last year – sophomores Danny Oquendo and Isaiah Williams – or none – redshirt freshman Darrius Heyward-Bey. Now, for better or worse, they find themselves on the field for the overwhelming majority of offensive snaps.
“It definitely puts an onus on us,” Williams said. “For this to be our first year starting, it’s a big burden. But we answered the call of the bell, and it’s great to know [Friedgen] has the confidence in us to say that these are the three we want in there.”
Prior to last Saturday, each had shown flashes of ability. Oquendo is not physically imposing but is quick and steady from the slot. Williams has great size and a smoothness not generally associated with a 6-foot 2-inch, 200-pound receiver. And Heyward-Bey is arguably the most talented of all three, bringing size, speed and elusiveness to the offense.
But in the Terps’ conservative offensive attack, the trio had yet to establish themselves as consistent difference-makers, with the exception of Heyward-Bey’s performance against Florida State. So to see the three combine for 14 catches and 120 yards against Clemson – including three receptions for 29 yards on the final, game-winning drive – was just as sweet as quarterback Sam Hollenbach’s overall play.
Even if senior Drew Weatherly finally returns from his right foot injury tomorrow, it appears likely the young receiving corps will be almost exclusively counted on from here on out. And judging by the way they handled themselves last Saturday, that’s not such a bad thing – even if they get winded here and there.
“Our relationship with Sam has grown more over the past few weeks since we’re the ones getting all the reps; we’re the ones out there on the battlefield,” Oquendo said.
Especially now that Podlesh is back to catching long-snaps instead of passes.
Contact columnist Daniel Chiat at chiatdbk@gmail.com.
