A list of names litters the Terrapin football team’s injury list. Not one of the players, though, hails from the offensive line — a spot where injuries cost the Terps last season and where a large burden of responsibility falls this season.
An additional year of experience and an added sense of cohesion has already paid dividends, according to coach Ralph Friedgen.
The young line last year included just two players with prior starting experience. Injuries throughout the year crippled the line, forcing the Terps to use seven different lineups in 12 games.
Because of the injuries and the constant shifting, some of the young players struggled to remember their assignments.
At one point, Friedgen said, he took aside then-freshmen right tackle R.J. Dill and right guard Justin Lewis, and “while the offensive staff was putting the game plan together, I was giving them remedial work.”
But this year, the offensive line came back from the offseason ahead of schedule, and the players said they are more assured in their responsibilities and routines.
With youth still dominating the depth chart — all the unit’s backups are either redshirt freshmen or sophomores — Friedgen said he wants to make sure to find time in practice to get them more experience, especially after the team’s troubles last season. But he’s expecting a brighter year.
“I’m anticipating that we’re going to have a good season because of our offensive line,” Friedgen said.
TERP NOTE: Defensive tackle De’Onte Arnett (cyst on ankle), linebacker Ben Pooler (torn ACL), and tight ends Devonte Campbell (MCL strain), Lansford Watson (torn ACL) and Will Yeatman (broken finger) will miss the Sept. 6 season opener against Navy.
kyanchulis@umdbk.com
