(Getty Images)
Sophomoe quarterback Josh Portis, transfer from Florida, has been catching coach Ralph Friedgen’s eye this spring. On Saturday, he went 10-for-17 and threw for 101 yards as the Maryland ofense scored nine touchdowns in 26 possessions during the team’s first scrimmage.

Kevin T. Connor, The Examiner
2007-04-17 07:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

With six more practices to go this spring, the Maryland football team is hoping to build on a good second scrimmage last weekend. The Terps’ offense scored nine touchdowns in 26 possessions Saturday, an improvement from the team’s first scrimmage, which produced just one touchdown in nine possessions.

Spring practice will conclude with the annual Red-White scrimmage on April 28.

But the team has been victimized by injuries. Before spring practice started, seniors Isaiah Gardener (DB) and Jermaine Lemons (DL) and juniors Rick Costa (LB) and Isaiah Williams (WR) were placed on the injured list. Junior wide receiver Kevin Gresham (finger) and redshirt freshman Richard Taylor (knee) both went down during last Tuesday’s final no-pads practice. Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen believes both could return this spring.

Also, running back Da’Rel Scott, like defensive lineman Jeremy Navarre, will most likely not return this spring due to knee injuries. Scott, a redshirt freshman, has a partially torn meniscus. The team did not elaborate on Navarre’s knee problem.

The injuries have limited the repetitions that Friedgen feels are vital to his young offense.

“It is what it is,” he said. “I have to deal with it and try to make the best of it. I can’t heal these guys.”

The offense will get a boost in the next few days when senior offensive lineman Andrew Crummey returns from a sprained ankle he suffered earlier this spring. His experience on the offensive line should help Maryland with its execution.

“We have a lot of young kids on offense who are missing assignments and breaking down,” Friedgen said.

Still, there have been some pleasant surprises on offense. Redshirt freshman Morgan Green has impressed Friedgen as he tries to win the third running back spot behind seniors Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore.

Sophomore quarterback Josh Portis has also been catching Friedgen’s eye with several impressive performances recently, including a 10-for-17, 101-yard performance Saturday.

But defense appears to be the Terps’ bright spot so far.

“I feel better about our secondary,” Friedgen said. “We have made some adjustments, and I like our depth across the entire defense.”