Maryland found some needed depth as reserve quarterback Orlando Evans threw for two scores and running back Sam Maldonado added three touchdowns during a controlled intrasquad scrimmage yesterday at Byrd Stadium.
The No. 15 Terrapins prepared for their Aug.28 season-opener at Northern Illinois with their only full scrimmage of camp. The offense outplayed the defense during the almost 2-hour workout, though cornerback Curome Cox’s interception in the end zone stopped the opening 83-yard drive.
“I wasn’t displeased with either bunch,” coach Ralph Friedgen said. “I thought the offense was probably ahead for this time of year. The defense toughened up in the red zone, and that’s the bottom line.”
Evans solidified his status as the No.2 quarterback by completing 14 of 20 passes for 174 yards, two touchdowns and one interception and running for a 2-yard score against the second-team defense. After a slow start in camp because of physical problems, Evans clearly has emerged as Scott McBrien’s backup.
“The last six, seven practices Orlando’s really jumped out,” Friedgen said. “I’ve been very impressed with him.”
Josh Allen and Maldonado continued their competition to replace injured running back Bruce Perry (high ankle sprain) against Northern Illinois. Allen gained 83 yards on 16 carries and had two catches for 14 yards against the starting defense. Maldonado finished with 60 yards and three scores on 18 carries against reserves.
“Even when we don’t have Bruce in there, it’s comforting knowing we have a back behind him,” McBrien said.
Allen seemingly has a slight edge over Maldonado, though Friedgen remained upbeat about freshman Lance Ball, who continued a strong camp with 48 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Allen said the offense needed to prove it could move on a defense that has nine returning starters.
“We talk trash to each other and know if we can compete against them we can compete against anybody,” he said.
The defense managed to stop McBrien when Cox picked off an underthrown pass intended for receiver Jafar Williams in the end zone. Friedgen said it was a new play meant to be thrown short rather than a safer pass over the top.
“It proved no matter what the situation is we’ll make the play eventually,” Cox said.
McBrien was sharper than his 12-for-26 for 122 yards and one touchdown indicated. The senior worked the field effectively, finding alternate receivers when the Terps used four. McBrien managed several long gains, including a 20-yarder to receiver Latrez Harrison and a 15-yarder to tight end Rob Abiamiri.
“Scott played well. I think he can play better,” Friedgen said. “He missed a couple things, [but] he’s so much more confident.”
Harrison could be the Terps’ leading receiver this season after succeeding against tight coverage. Harrison caught six passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Dan Melendez grabbed five passes for 66 yards against second-teamers, while freshman receiver Drew Weatherly validated Friedgen’s constant backing with six receptions for 68 yards.
Kicker Nick Novak converted all 10 field goal attempts, the longest from 42 yards.
Defensively, linebacker D’Qwell Jackson led Maryland with 12 tackles, while linebacker William Kershaw added eight.
Notes — Defensive end Kevin Eli is expected to be released from a Baltimore hospital today after undergoing heart tests Friday. … Less than 3,000 season tickets remain. The games against West Virginia (Sept.20) and Virginia (Nov.13) are expected to be sellouts.
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