Terrapin football coach Ralph Friedgen officially confirmed yesterday that senior cornerback and team captain Nolan Carroll would miss the rest of the season after breaking his right tibia in Saturday’s 38-35 overtime win against James Madison.
He added Carroll would almost certainly not be granted an extra year of eligibility.
Still, Friedgen said he spoke with Carroll on Sunday after his operation. In the phone call, Friedgen informed Carroll that once he was well enough to rejoin the team in the locker room, he was expected to resume his role as team captain.
“I think there’s a tremendous amount of feeling for Nolan on the team,” Friedgen said. “Not only was he very well-liked but also very respected.”
As a result of Carroll’s injury, sophomore cornerback Cameron Chism was a hot topic yesterday. Chism will step into Carroll’s starting role alongside Anthony Wiseman, and despite being untested, he has received mostly positive reviews.
Still, defensive coordinator Don Brown said any questions will have to be answered on the field.
“He needs that demeanor, that degree of toughness that defensive backs need when they’re set back,” Brown said. “I don’t know where he’s at with that because he hasn’t faced adversity yet.”
Sixth-year senior Richard Taylor and sophomore Trenton Hughes will back up Wiseman and Chism, while true freshman Dexter McDougle is expected to pick up duties as he progresses.
SMITH UNDERACHIEVING?Saturday, wide receiver Torrey Smith scored two of the Terps’ five touchdowns in the win.
He finished with eight catches for 80 yards, two rushes for 22 yards and four kickoff returns for 127 yards, including an 81-yard touchdown return. Still, even after a highlight-reel day, Smith drew a bit of surprise criticism from Friedgen yesterday.
“To be honest with you, I was kind of expecting more out of Torrey,” Friedgen said, when asked to highlight the sophomore’s performance. “I’ve got a lot of faith in him. I’m not surprised at all about the return yards. But I think if you asked Torrey, he has high expectations for himself, too.”
Many of Smith’s receptions came on bubble screen plays and short passes where he used his natural speed to pick up yards after the catch. The former high school quarterback went along with his coach, agreeing he still has room to improve as a pure receiver.
“I’ve still only played two football seasons at wide receiver,” Smith said. “Last year was my first one in games. I’ve still got a long ways to go. But I’m starting to get a little comfortable now and settled down.”
INJURY LISTLeft tackle Bruce Campbell (turf toe) and safety Jamari McCollough (left ankle) will be out for the second straight week when the Terps play Middle Tennessee State on Saturday, according to Friedgen, who also said he hopes wide receiver and punt returner Tony Logan will be back from his shoulder injury.
ajoseph@umdbk.com
