Diamondback Online - The University of Maryland's Independent Daily Student Newspaper

Issue date: 4/7/08 Section: Sports

With hordes of people packed along the field, the scene at the Terrapin football team's spring practices more closely resembles a crowded lunch line at Jalapeño Grill than an organized football camp.

Yesterday, the swarmed sideline allowed little space for the players and referees taking part in a scrimmage.

"Gentleman, please back up," one referee pled to spectators during the scrimmage.

During the spring, an eclectic band of onlookers descends on College Park. Family and fans, recruits and commits and, of course, the media all gather to catch a glimpse of Terps practice.

In the fall, entry to these sessions is strictly regulated, adding additional incentive for interested parties to make hay while the sun shines.

"Spring is critical [for the media] in that, in the fall, Ralph [Friedgen] only lets you watch the first 35 minutes or so of practice, 15 of which are stretching," TerrapinTimes.com's Keith Cavanaugh said. "Spring gives us a chance to see what's going on - live scrimmages, who's making moves up and down the depth chart - as opposed to just hearing about it at the end of every practice from the coaches."

High school recruits come from around the region and attend practice to get an up-close look at the coaches, team and facilities the Terps have to offer. These visits to the campus help prospective players get a better sense of what life as a Terp might be like.

The influence of spring practice on recruiting is not lost on Friedgen, who says the Terps "always work very hard" to get recruits onto the campus in the spring.

The veteran coach - who could be seen after practice greeting players and occasionally even hugging mothers - noted the importance of getting prospective players on the campus so they "get a chance to see what we're all about."

Stephon Robertson, a junior from Alexandria, Va., spent practice trying to get a feel for the coaching staff and the types of schemes he would be involved in as a linebacker in the Terps defense.

"I'm basically just observing, watching the different various types of styles for defense," Robertson said. "I really do like the practice. I want to see some hits, but I like what I see."

Robertson was visiting with his mother, Toni, a university alumna who competed on the Terps' track and field team. For Toni Robertson - a recipient of a Friedgen embrace - the visit was a pleasant excuse to be back on the campus, and she extolled the improvements made by the university in recent years.

"It kind of reminds me of my days in college, although things are much better since I was in school with the facilities and just the growth of the campus itself," Toni Robertson said.

Family members of current players were also sprinkled in among the crowd. Mike Anderson, cousin of quarterback Josh Portis, lives in the area and showed up to support Portis in his quest for the starting position.

"Hopefully he's able to do well out here this spring and show [the coaches] some things, and hopefully he'll have an opportunity next year," Anderson said. "I think you can expect big things."

Although the sidelines are littered with recruits, they are not the only high school students in attendance. Many seniors who have already committed to the program attended, as well.

Four-star recruit Kenny Tate from neighboring DeMatha Catholic committed this winter and was at practice to get a sneak peak at what he can expect when he gets to campus this summer.

"I'm just seeing what I'm in store for coming into the summer, just ready to see what I can help bring to the team," Tate said. "I'm looking at tendencies and their coaching style … so I know what to do when I get here. I wish I could practice right now. It looks like it's going to be real fun next year."

Despite the droves of people in attendance, a thorough scanning of the sea of people reveals some familiar faces.

Christian Varner and J.J. Justice are among the many recent Terp alumni who have shown up to pay a visit to their old teammates. Both said they came to help out and see some old friends, and both expressed their delight with resting on the sidelines after years of enduring tough practices.

"I'm just here to show my boys support, show 'em love," Varner said. "If I can see anything they doing wrong, I can help 'em out and tell 'em little tips here and there. Just keep spreading that knowledge."

Justice was just glad to not be on the field.

"It feels good. I feel healthy. I'm not sore," Justice added. "I haven't been out on this practice field in street clothes in five years. It's nice to be able to just relax and watch for a change."

With all the action occurring along the sidelines, you would think it would be easy for the Terps to get distracted during practice. But that could not be farther from the truth.

Players said they were too involved in learning the new playbook to be bothered by what's going on off the field.

"[Offensive coordinator James] Franklin keeps us pretty focused, and there's a lot of things we have to know," senior quarterback Jordan Steffy said. "It's not really a big deal [having people on the sidelines]. You gotta go out and play the same way no matter who is in the stands."

Friedgen said he knows the open practices provide excitement but was happy about his players' ability to remain focused on the field. He noted that what allows the Terps to continue to let people into the facility is the team's capacity to remain attentive.

"Well, [the players] better not be distracted, otherwise the people won't be here anymore," Friedgen said. "But I think it's good. People enjoy coming to practice … They see our kids and how enthusiastic they are. They're having fun out there. That's what it's all about."

When the weather is welcoming, the vibe at the facility has been lively and exciting for everyone involved.

Even when things may appear to get a little chaotic, it seems, just like at Jalapeño Grill, most people walk away satisfied with their experience.

mkatzdbk@gmail.com

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