Head Coach: Ralph Friedgen
2003 Record: 10-3

Team MVP: Running back Josh Allen will have to shoulder the load for the Maryland running game this season. The Terps don’t have an experienced quarterback on the roster heading into this season and this makes the running game more important. This also fits the scheme of the offensive line since it seems to be one that is built more for the run than for pass defense.

Quarterback: Although Scott McBrien wasn’t a record setting quarterback, he was a perfect fit for the Terrapins offense. His mobility and good arm helped to propel this team to new heights in the ACC, but now the conference is tougher thanks to the additions of Miami, Fla. and Virginia Tech for 2004. Expected to takeover the starting job is sophomore Joel Statham. If Statham cannot produce in games, then Sam Hollenbach will get the call. Overall, there is talent, but it needs time to get adjusted into game action.

Running Back: Even with the loss of steady performer Bruce Perry, the offense shouldn’t see a drop-off in production. Josh Allen has proven himself to be ready for full time duty, as he rushed for 922 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Backing him up will be Sammy Maldonado. Maldonado is an Ohio State transfer and will get carries to help keep Allen fresh.

Wide Receivers/Tight End: With a young quarterback stepping into the starting position, getting a group of receivers that can help take the pressure off of him will be key. Returning will be seniors Steve Suter and Derrick Fenner. Both players are targets to make the deep catch at any time. The offense could use a receiver that goes over the middle to make the tough catch, such as Latrez Harrison did while he was at Maryland. Tight end is a concern with the departure of Jeff Dugan.

Offensive Line: All-ACC guard C.J. Brooks will be returning, along with two other starters from last season’s unit. Although Brooks returns, there are some questions about the line. The depth and some of the starting positions will have to be filled by freshman, so there is a concern about just how ready they are. The left side of the line should be strong with the return of Brooks and tackle Stephon Heyer, but the right side is of concern.

Defensive Line: With the departure of Randy Starks to the NFL, the defensive line needs to find a big body to play in the middle of their defense. Kevin Eli will return at defensive end after notching 55 tackles and 5.5 sacks last season. With the young secondary needing time to get experience, the defensive line needs to get a bigger push. Even though they run a 3-4 getting more pressure towards the quarterback will be crucial.

Linebackers: Within the 3-4 defense, the linebackers are the most crucial to the defense. Going into the 2004 season, the defense will have two starters back from last season’s unit, which includes D’Qwell Jackson and Shawne Merriman. Last season, Jackson led the team with 132 tackles and should be near the top as he is the team’s top linebacker. The departure of Leon Joe and Leroy Ambush does leave a void with the other two spots. There is some youth at the back-up positions and the defense relies on the linebackers, so they must prove themselves right away.

Secondary: The secondary was hit the hardest of any area on this team due to graduation. The loss of Madieu Williams, Dennard Wilson and Curome Cox leaves the secondary with three new players expected to start. Former quarterback Chris Kelley is going to get a look at strong safety, but Marcus Wimbush is expected to push him for playing time. With All-ACC corner Domonique Foxworth returning at one side, expect opponents to attack Rueben Haigler and Gerrick McPhearson at the other corner spot.

Special Teams: With kicker Nick Novak and Adam Podlesh returning, the Terrapins could have one of the best combinations in the country. Novak is a steady, accurate kicker, while Podlesh had a big freshman season. Returns are solid with Steve Suter a threat to score every time he touches it.

Final Thoughts: Since Ralph Friedgen has taken over the Maryland program, they have shot to contention for a top tier finish and a bowl game. Now that the ACC is going to get tougher with the entrance of Miami, Fla. and Virginia Tech, they have to take their team to the next level. This season, the Terrapins are going to have a tough time winning the conference. Miami, Fla., Florida State and Clemson appear to be just ahead of them in the pecking order. The key for this team will be Joel Statham. If he can play up to the level that the coaches believe he can, they will score and the defense won’t be on the field so much. The defense has a few holes to fill, but they should be productive overall. If the game is close, the Terrapins special teams could be a difference as they are some of the best in the country.

-- Steve Lassan