Meggett may start at RB

Davin Meggett is confident in his abilities on the football field.

That's why the Terrapin running back has other things on his mind, despite the possibility of his first career start Saturday against Eastern Michigan if Da'Rel Scott can't play because of a left shoulder injury.

"What I'm thinking about this weekend is I have some homework to do in government and women's literature," Meggett said. "I think those are actually on my mind."

Scott, the ACC's leading rusher at 135.7 yards per game, sprained the AC joint in his shoulder on a third-quarter run in Saturday's 35-27 win against Cal.

Coach Ralph Friedgen said the sophomore is very sore and would wear a no-contact jersey at practice to begin the week. Scott is questionable against the Eagles, but Friedgen said he hopes to get him on the field.

Scott was not available for comment.

If Scott is out, the 5-foot-8, 210-pound Meggett will have another tough assignment to add to his schedule.

The Terp backfield would also be aided by Morgan Green, who saw his first action of the season Saturday after missing most of the preseason with a quadriceps injury. Friedgen said running back Dan Bonato and full back Corey Jackson could also seeing time in Scott's stead.

But Meggett, who has shown flashes of brilliance in gaining 136 yards on 22 carries this season, would likely take the bulk of the work.

"He's a true freshman, and he's learning every day," Friedgen said of Meggett, who rushed for a career-high 82 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries against Cal. "If Da'Rel can't go, he has to come up big for us this game. We're going to count on that."

Meggett said he expects Scott to play Saturday. He said Scott is feeling better each day and looked good carrying the football in practice Tuesday.

But even if Scott makes his fourth career start against Eastern Michigan, Meggett knows he plays a key role in the running game.

"I love helping him out," Meggett said. "He always looks to me, and he's like, 'You got me?' I'm like, 'Yeah, I got you.' He deserves a break."

Meggett earned the second running back spot in preseason camp with his hard-nosed play when Green was sidelined. But Friedgen said he had relaxed his effort in recent practices, causing the eighth-year coach to have a talk with Meggett before the Cal game.

After Meggett stepped in for an injured Scott and helped seal an upset win, Friedgen said Meggett was back playing hard Monday and showing progress in several areas he had struggled, including pass blocking.

He expressed confidence in Meggett and Green, who earned praise after taking his first consistent reps in about a month.

Green, who entered preseason atop the depth chart with Scott, picked up no yards against Cal on his first two carries of the season.

He said he's back at 100-percent and ready to contribute.

"It's been rough," Green said. "I was looking forward to the season, and then I got this nagging injury. Hopefully, I have a chance to get back out there."

Scott is hurting, Meggett's young and Green just wants an opportunity.

The Terps would love to get all three in top form heading into ACC play, but it might not matter who is in the backfield against the Eagles.

The Terps, with an all-senior starting offensive line, have displayed a dominating ground game so far this season. They are averaging 186 rushing yards per game and 4.8 yards per rushing attempt.

"The holes they are opening up are not just big, they're gaping," Meggett said. "We're all looking forward to running through them."

nTERP NOTES: Defensive end Mack Frost was listed as doubtful with a knee injury. These players are out for Saturday: safety Terrell Skinner (ankle), cornerback Richard Taylor (knee), receiver LaQuan Williams (foot). ... Friedgen also noted that safety Dominique Herald will not redshirt this season. Herald, who was suspended for the first game of the season, will be forced into action because of injuries in the secondary.

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