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THE DIAMONDBACK | SPORTS | THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2010
SLIM PICKINGS After an underwhelming 2-10 campaign last year, the Terps were picked to finish last in the Atlantic Division this season. Only Virginia received fewer votes in the ACC preseason poll. Here’s a look at how the media vote shook out:
NOTEBOOK from page 12 Friedgen stressed the importance of fostering an in-state rivalry game. “To have an in-state rivalry, I think it just helps the whole state,” Friedgen said. “I think people can rally behind each school that represents its two fine institutions, and I think it just brings the whole state together. “I would like to see it happen on a yearly basis. I think that it’s good for both schools.” Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo, whose Midshipmen are considered a preseason top-25 team after a 10-4 season last year, said the two teams “need to play more.” “You’ve got two great institutions so close together. There’s a history involved, and hopefully, we can continue this series,” Niumatalolo said. “I know we’re looking forward to it, and Maryland is looking forward to it.”
■ PORZEL TRANSFERS Running back Caleb Porzel is leaving the football team and is no longer enrolled at the univer-
Atlantic 1. Florida State (78) 2. Clemson (16) 3. Boston College (4) 4. N.C. State 5. Wake Forest 6. Terps
Coastal 1. Virginia Tech (62) 2. Miami (20) 3. Georgia Tech (11) 4. North Carolina (5) 5. Duke 6. Virginia
* First-place votes in parentheses sity, Friedgen confirmed to reporters at the ACC Football Kickoff in Greensboro, N.C. Porzel had sat out the team’s Tuesday and Thursday workouts this spring to concentrate on his schoolwork, though he did participate in Saturday practices. His decision to transfer is apparently related to academics. As a true freshman for the team last season, Porzel played in seven games and started one. He saw action shortly after starting running back Da’Rel Scott broke his wrist in the fifth game of the season. For the season, he ran for 75 yards on 30 carries. The speedy back from nearby Good Counsel High School was ranked a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com. This year, he was expected to split playing time with Davin Meggett and D.J. Adams behind Scott. ■ ROBINSON TO START Quarterback Jamarr Robinson’s starting job is safe — for now. Friedgen said the junior is the team’s top option under center. “Jamarr Robinson has had an
excellent spring. He’s really matured, and I think he’s playing at a very high level, and I’ve been very pleased with him,” Friedgen said. “Right now, he is the starter.” A dual-threat quarterback, Robinson has worked on improving his accuracy this spring and summer. Wide receiver Torrey Smith said Robinson’s passing precision is finally catching up to his power. “He can throw the ball. He’s got the strongest arm on the team for the past three years. He’s accurate and highly mature, and he can make every throw. … It’s our responsibility, and the pressure’s on us. If Jamarr makes a good throw, it’s on us to make that play for him and make the play for our team.” After lurking in the shadows of graduated starting quarterback Chris Turner for much of last season, Robinson debuted as a starter in November, replacing an injured Turner for two games. He finished with 459 yards passing and two touchdowns. With the job now firmly Robinson’s, linebacker Alex Wujciak said the diminutive quarterback is staking a bigger role on the team. “He’s definitely taken more of a leadership role,” Wujciak said. “He’s teaching the young quarterbacks, too. I see him being more accurate, really working on his passing game.”
■ THE ACC’S BEST Smith and Wujciak were among 23 players selected to the preseason All-ACC team. After setting the conference’s single-season kickoff return yardage record each of the past two years, Smith, a junior, was voted as the league’s preseason pick for top specialist. He was also tabbed as an All-ACC wide receiver, having caught 61 balls for 824 yards and five touchdowns last year. Wujciak, a senior, was a firstteam All-ACC selection last year and leads all active players in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in career tackles per game (10.6). Running back Caleb Porzel, center, is no longer a member of the football team and will transfer. FILE PHOTO/THE DIAMONDBACK
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“We have the opportunity to have a great season and do something special,” goalkeeper Zac MacMath said. The Terps kick off their schedule Sept. 3. FILE PHOTO/THE DIAMONDBACK
SOCCER from page 12 some players are until you are there playing with them everyday.” After the opening ceremonies in Belfast, MacMath powered the team in its first win against China, posting a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory July 26. He sat two days later against Denmark, but White started and played almost the entire match in a 3-2 victory. “The European teams were excellent, especially Denmark,” White wrote. “But our team was just so athletic and physically dominant that it was hard for them to keep up with us.” In the cup final July 30, Mac-
Math started in goal once again, with White entering off the bench. The two combined to post another shutout in a 3-0 championship victory against Northern Ireland. “Playing with the U.S. jersey on alongside great players was a dream come true,” White said. “It has helped me realize that the opportunities I’ve been dreaming of are fast approaching.” Both White and MacMath used the tournament to get international experience that will help them pursue their ultimate goals of playing professional soccer. After the cup, MacMath went to train with Premier League club Everton and Tim Howard, the team’s starting goalkeeper and a mainstay in the net of the U.S.
senior men’s national team. White and MacMath said they are ready for the upcoming fall season, when the Terps return nine starters from their Elite Eight team last year. The duo agreed that the Milk Cup provided important experience heading into the fall campaign. “Personally, I needed a few games before the season to regain some confidence and get used to the speed of play again,” MacMath said. “Obviously, winning, especially with Ethan being a part of the back line, and [with] all the hard work the boys have put in this summer, we have the opportunity to have a great season and do something special.” ceckard@umdbk.com