Starting DT might be out for opener

Maryland defensive tackle C.J. Feldheim might miss the season opener at Northern Illinois after surgery today for a torn meniscus.

Feldheim re-injured his right knee Monday after missing six games last season with a torn ACL. Despite his offseason conditioning program an MRI yesterday revealed the new tear. He could miss as little as one week, but the Terrapins will be conservative to prevent another setback that might sideline him for a greater part of the season.

“If we lose him for the first game, [at least] we get him back for the season,” coach Ralph Friedgen said. “A lot of it will go on C.J., but he’s done such a good job rehabbing it I’m hoping that will help him recover faster.”

Rob Armstrong would replace Feldheim when the Terps, ranked 13th in the coaches’ poll, visit Northern Illinois, with Conrad Bolston and Justin Duffie as backups. Friedgen wants Armstrong to become more consistent.

“He’ll still look real good on one play and just real bad the next play,” Friedgen said. “That’s not meant as a criticism. That’s just growing up in football. We’ll just have to live with that, but in time he’s going to be a real good player.”

Meanwhile, quarterback Orlando Evans missed his third straight workout because of headaches and breathing difficulty. Team officials were awaiting test results as Evans watched practice.

“We’re at a loss. We’re concerned where he is right now,” Friedgen said.

Freshmen quarterbacks Sam Hollenbach and Joel Statham continued splitting time for the third slot that could become Scott McBrien’s backup if Evans doesn’t soon improve. Friedgen also was upbeat about freshman quarterback Ryan Mitch’s prospects.

Pace quickens

Friedgen is working plays faster in team drills, running 51 snaps during three series in less than 36 minutes.

“I try to make practice faster than what the game is, get them tired and make them have to execute when they’re tired and make them finish the play and jog back to the huddle and go again,” he said. “They’re in constant motion.”

The Terps also are devoting 20 minutes at the end of practice to freshmen only. Practices have gone nearly 2½ hours the first three days. The team begins twice daily practices Saturday.

Centerfold?

Friedgen was voted the “X’s and O’s wiz” in the coming Sports Illustrated college preview edition by fellow NCAA coaches. Friedgen is shown in a two-page spread along with Texas coach Mack Brown (recruiting king), Southern Cal’s Norm Chow (pass master) and Notre Dame’s Tyrone Willingham (motivator).

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