The University of Maryland will begin their 2012 season this Saturday against William & Mary.
Here are some things I will be looking for:
1) I want to see the RB’s get off to a good start. W&M’s Dline should be at a size disadvantage to the MD Oline. Between Pickett, Ross, Brown, and Reid; MD has a number of positive options in the backfield. If Maryland can run the ball, it will help out in numerous other areas.
2) Ferrera has been up and down (due to health mostly) as a Terp. He has a quality leg. Would like to see him get off to a positive start. Who is the Punter – Craddock or Renfro?
3) Diggs has been making his presence felt in the return game during camp. He doesn’t have to take one to the house right away, but it would be pretty special if he made his presence felt immediately.
4) With Matt Robinson missing the opener, it looks like Hendy will get the start. Hendy was a pretty highly regarded recruit. We could feel better about the Secondary depth, if he seizes the opportunity. EDIT: We missed the reports of Hendy also missing the first few weeks to injury.
5) How is the corner play from McDougle, and Johnson? How does MD handle Goins being out with mono?
6) We have our fingers crossed with Tate, but I’m still excited about Twine, Hartsfield, and Drakeford at LB. Against W&M they should be controlling the action sideline to sideline.
7) Losing Monroe at DE is disappointing. Edsall has stated that AJ Francis will be replacing Monroe, and that Darius Kilgo will replace Francis at NT. You know Vellano will play well. The play you get from Francis, Kilgo, and others like Justin Anderson will be telling. These guys absolutely need to get off to a good start against the 1AA Tribe.
8) There is experience at WR with Boykins, Dorsey, King, and Cheeseboro. You’d like to see them, and the talented TE’s – Furstenburg, and Campbell – collectively make some plays.
9) If the RB’s are going to get off to a good start, and the WR’s and TE’s are going to make plays; that is going to come with the offensive line (and the FB Cierski) doing their job up-front. Is Nick Klemm serviceable at LT? How does Arnett look at RG?
10) Expectations might be low for true Frosh QB Perry Hills, but when the lights go on; there will be plenty of eyes watching. How does he handle that pressure? Does he show a command of the offense. If there is adversity during the game, does he respond? Can he utilize the weapons that are on the roster, and put some points on the board?
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.