Terps get Bullish

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The Terrapins are getting bullish on their running game.

Sammy "the Bull" Maldonado is emerging as a big part of the Maryland offense -- and as something of a cult figure among teammates and fans.

Maybe it's the tattoo on his left forearm that depicts a skull carrying a football that indicates his toughness. Perhaps the one on his right shoulder of a lion playing poker with a stack of cash shows he's a money player.

Whatever it is, the Terps are taking notice of this tough-talking New Yorker from coach Ralph Friedgen's hometown.

The Terrapins running back never told teammates that "the Bull" also was his nickname in high school, where he nailed opposing runners as a linebacker. It's just a natural moniker that has followed him.

But now his Maryland teammates can't pass him by without calling out, "Sammy the Bull." It's sort of a superstition, such as rubbing the Testudo statue's nose outside the locker-room door.

Maldonado and Josh Allen will share backfield duties while Bruce Perry (high ankle sprain) will be limited at best against West Virginia on Saturday. The tandem gained 202 yards and three touchdowns in last week's 61-0 romp over The Citadel.

The Terps plan to rely heavily on their ground game because quarterback Scott McBrien hasn't progressed as much as expected. Maryland figures a solid ground game will enhance McBrien's passing, so Allen and Maldonado will carry the ball regularly against West Virginia.

"Sammy wears them out -- he allows me to go in there and do my thing," Allen said. "It's hard [for defenses] to get used to the tempo. He's going to bust up there real hard. I have the speed to get outside. It's different threats."