What a difference a year makes. Last summer, all the talk was about whether new head coach Ralph Friedgen could end years of frustration and lead Maryland to a winning record and perhaps a minor bowl bid. That would have been more than satisfactory, considering that the Terps were 2-9, 3-8, 5-6 and 5-6 the previous four years under former head coach Ron Vanderlinden.

Well, as things turned out, Friedgen not only catapulted the Terps into postseason action but also captured an ACC championship. Maryland had a 10-1 regular-season record and went to the Orange Bowl.

	Ralph Friedgen is called the Fridge, and his dad (who played with Vince Lombardi) was known as the Icebox.

As the Terps approach the 2002 campaign, expectations have changed dramatically. To maintain last season's excellence, Maryland must compensate for the graduation loss of several key performers and hope that their highest-profile performer, senior linebacker E.J. Henderson, can work his way back to 100 percent health. Henderson is rehabilitating from April back surgery, and his status is still uncertain for the 2002 season opener (vs. Notre Dame at the Meadowlands on Aug. 31).

The Terps' critical graduation losses include QB Shaun Hill, WR Guilian Gary, C Melvin Fowler, DT Charles Hill, LB Aaron Thompson, safety Tony Jackson and CB Tony Okanlawon. In addition, pass-rushing DE Mike Whaley won't be back (academics).

OFFENSE
Complicating matters even more is sophomore QB Chris Kelley's knee injury. Kelley suffered a torn ligament in his right knee during Maryland's spring scrimmage April 27. He figures to be out of action most of the year, although late word is that his rehab is ahead of schedule and he could be back later in the campaign.

In the absence of the physically talented Kelley, West Virginia transfer Scott McBrien likely will open the season as the starting QB. The southpaw opened some eyes when he directed the scout offense last season, but he still has to prove he can grasp and apply Friedgen's offensive system in game situations. During fall practice, McBrien will try to hold off junior-college transfer Orlando Evans.

At tailback, the Terps received a shot in the arm last year from former DB Bruce Perry and hope he won't show any ill effects from an abdominal injury that hampered him late last season and kept him out of spring action.

Even with Gary's graduation loss, the wide receiver position is well-fortified, with highly regarded junior Jafar Williams and senior Scooter Monroe leading the way. Converted QB Latrez Harrison could become this year's offensive surprise. The 6-foot-3, 221-pound junior impressed Friedgen in the spring with an impressive array of physical skills and toughness.

Junior Jeff Dugan is one of the top in-line blocking tight ends in the country. And redshirt freshman Derek Miller (6-8, 255) has displayed potential. The physically imposing Miller will seek to become the quality No. 2 tight end that Matt Murphy was last season (Murphy became a seventh-round pick of the Detroit Lions).

An experienced group returns on the offensive line, led by senior LG Matt Wike. But the big concern is who will make up for the graduation loss of Fowler, the standout center. Fowler was a leader who anchored the Terrapin line the past four years. Thus far, Friedgen seems to be satisfied with the ability shown by sophomore Kyle Schmitt (6-5, 300).

DEFENSE
Defensively, Hill's graduation loss on the defensive line hurts, as does the academic loss of DE Whaley. While senior DE Durrand Roundtree is key, sophomore DT Randy Starks is one of the bright young defensive prospects in the ACC. Starks' quickness is impressive given his 6-4, 300-pound frame.

At linebacker, Friedgen hopes the injured Henderson is back at full strength early in the season. Henderson is Maryland's top overall performer on either side of the ball -- and the elite senior linebacker in the nation. Meanwhile, junior Leon Joe could be a player to watch if he can put his superior athletic ability to consistent use.

In the secondary, junior Curome Cox and sophomore Domonique Foxworth provide decent play at cornerback, but the major headliner figures to be FS Madieu Williams. The former transfer from Towson University could easily follow in the footsteps of another Towson product, Chad Scott, who came to the Terps later in his college career and emerged as a super blue-chipper and eventual first-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams (6-1, 195) has the athleticism and speed to perform at a high level at cornerback as well.

From the midway point of the 2001 season, sophomore kicker Nick Novak found a consistent kicking stroke. And senior Brooks Barnard is the top overall punter in college football.

OVERVIEW
The Terps not only turned the corner last year but also accomplished what few, if any, observers thought was possible: They took the ACC title and finished with an impressive 10-2 record. However, they were just 3-2 over the last five games of 2001, allowing the final 21 points at Florida State in a 51-31 loss and falling 56-23 to Florida in the Orange Bowl.

While Friedgen won't allow his team's confidence to be shattered, taking back-to-back conference championships will be a monumental feat. Florida State is far superior in terms of talent, and former Seminole assistant Chuck Amato is building N.C. State into a top-25-caliber team.

That said, Maryland is far too well-coached not to compete for the second or third spot in the ACC. The Terps also are developing some potential standouts: sophomore DT Randy Starks and junior FS Madieu Williams. They also have the necessary star power in RB Bruce Perry, WR Jafar Williams, TE Jeff Dugan, OG Todd Wike, LB E.J. Henderson and P Brooks Barnard. WR Latrez Harrison could also provide a major shot in the arm, while OLB Leon Joe could become a top-echelon performer. Henderson's physical status returning from his back injury is huge.

And while QB Shaun Hill wasn't considered a viable prospect at the 2002 draft, he had a solid senior year for the Terps. Will lefty Scott McBrien or junior-college transfer Orlando Evans step up and provide similar leadership? That's why the knee injury sustained by up-and-comer Chris Kelley was so unfortunate and disappointing. Kelley is a potential igniter at QB, but he won't be ready until later in the campaign (and that's a best-case scenario).