It’s a bad sign when the talk around spring football is about who is not on the field instead of who is actually suiting up.

Welcome to Ralph Friedgen’s world in year two of his Maryland regime. The inverted Murphy’s Law mystique of Fridge’s debut last season has come back to bite the big guy as the Terrapins try to repeat as ACC champions.

Friedgen collected more coach-of-the-year awards then he did victories last year -- and that’s saying something on the heels of Maryland’s remarkable 10-2 turnaround campaign. But now, 18 seniors are gone, including quarterback Shaun Hill and six members of the Terrapins’ starting defense that fueled the reversal of fortune.

Add to that list this spring, Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year E.J. Henderson , the top returning linebacker in the country, and ACC Offensive Player of the Year Bruce Perry , the conference’s leading rusher.

A back injury worse than anyone knew at the close of the 2001 season kept Henderson out of spring workouts and out of practices and even rehabilitation until late summer. Perry, who carried the load on offense, was worn down and sat out the spring with an abdominal injury.

And, as spring practice ended, red-shirt sophomore Chris Kelley , the heir apparent at quarterback, went down with his third major knee injury in as many years. He will have his second re-constructive surgery and won’t be unable to participate for the third straight year as fall practice opens.

Injuries and academic difficulties knocked down Maryland’s numbers in spring practice, but the Terrapins got a look at a lot of players who might not have otherwise received so much attention. Fridge also got all those extra practice days back in December to ready for the Orange Bowl berth that came along with Maryland’s first ACC title in 16 years.

Friedgen talked before last season about what those days mean to a team. They’re a chance to get ahead of other programs that aren’t practicing that time of year and to stay ahead if you keep going back to bowl games year after year.

Friedgen plans to do just that, and it’s hard to dispute him on matters football related.

Last year he inherited a program that had just one winning season in the last 10 years. Under the previous staff, the Terrapins’ annual goal had been to win six games to become bowl eligible, a seemingly insurmountable total Maryland had been unable to reach in back-to-back five-win seasons.

Enter Friedgen. Big man. Big dreams. Big plans. Big ideas.

And as big a reputation as Fridge had as an offensive genius, he was even more of a salesman, rallying his new team around a strict regimen of fundamentals, good hard-nosed, win-the-battle-in-the-trenches football and, most importantly, a whole new attitude.

There were a lot of questions regarding the quarterback position last season as Terps fans licked their chops at the prospect of Friedgen’s high-powered offense setting up shop in Byrd Stadium. And it became apparent early on that Shaun Hill had a lot of the right answers.

The big junior college transfer was effective in Maryland’s new offense, running the option like a fullback and moving the chains with an effective short and medium-depth passing game.

The feeling this spring was that questions in the wake of Hill’s graduation would work themselves out. And they did, but not in the way any Terrapin hoped.

Kelley (6-2, 206), a red-shirt freshman, let out a scream as he planted his right foot on a scramble in the first half of the Maryland spring game. He felt an all-too-familiar pop in his right knee, and suddenly the Terrapin quarterback-to-be was sidelined -- again.

The highly regarded Kelley first injured his left knee in the summer of 2000, playing in a high school all-star game. He red-shirted that season at Maryland, and was impressive last spring, arguably picking up the offense faster than any other quarterback.

But Kelley re-injured the knee just before the start of fall practices last year, and was again shelved until late in the season. Although he came back to play sparingly last year, after the season, he had another surgery on the knee. Then came this spring’s tragedy.

"I’m very disappointed for Chris," Friedgen said. "He has worked so hard over the course of the past year to rehabilitate the injury in his other knee and this setback is a tremendous disappointment."

Kelley had another surgery, this time on the right knee, this spring. So Kelley’s college line thus far is no passes, two rushes for 9 yards and four surgeries.

In the meantime, another red-shirt sophomore, Scott McBrien (6-2, 180), ascended to the quarterback job. McBrien, who seemed more comfortable in the passing game than Kelley, completed 13-of-20 tosses for 121 yards and a touchdown in the spring game and was serviceable if not spectacular running the option.

The Terps brought in four quarterbacks in the latest recruiting class, including junior college transfer Orlando Evans (6-0, 190) from City College of San Francisco and freshmen Scott Hollenbach (6-5, 215) of Sellersville, Pa., Joel Statham (6-1, 185) of Chatsworth, Ga., and Domonique Richmond (6-0, 183) of Hagerstown, Md.

Evans enrolled in school for the spring semester and was able to participate in workouts. He brought an impressive resume that included guiding CCSF to a 12-0 mark and the California Community College championship.

Hagerstown native Hunter Cross (6-3, 209) is another candidate with size and a bit more experience. A junior, he transferred from West Virginia, too, and was available for spring duty. Friedgen was impressed enough with him as a walk-on last fall to give him a scholarship in the winter. He completed just four passes in the spring game but he made them count, gaining 79 yards, including a 50-yard bomb.

Before Kelley’s injury, Friedgen felt good enough about the quarterback position to move junior Latrez Harrison (6-3, 217) to wide receiver, where he excelled. Harrison is likely to be an "emergency" quarterback for the Terps, a role graduated defensive back Randall Jones filled the last two years.

People were wondering how Maryland would ever replace LaMont Jordan about this time last year and all Perry did was become the first Terrapin ever to win ACC Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Perry (5-9, 188), a junior, played with a toughness that belied his size. He carried 249 times for 1,437 yards and 10 touchdowns. When defenses moved closer to the line to shut down the Maryland running game, Perry proved equally dangerous in the passing game, catching 40 passes for 368 yards and two more scores.

Most of Perry’s big games came early, though, and he played nicked up through much of the second half of the schedule. He didn’t have a 100-yard rushing game in the last seven games.

Perry’s aches and pains carried over to the spring where all he was able to do was model the Terrapins’ snazzy new uniform during a couple of public gatherings. He sat out of practices, giving a tear in his lower abdomen a chance to heal.

The good news is he is expected back for fall practice at full speed and the even better news is the rest is probably the best thing he could have done this off-season.

In his absence, the Terrapins got a good look at the rest of their stable of tailbacks, and no one came away disappointed. Sophomore Jason Crawford (6-2, 220) helped his stock this spring, working through a gimpy hip and a groin injury to report for duty each day.

The Terps also found an excellent Perry-play-alike this spring in speedy red-shirt freshman Mario Merrills (5-10, 195). Reminiscent of Perry not only in physique, Merrills also hits the hole hard like his mentor and gets the same occasional criticism from Friedgen when he doesn’t run "north and south."

If all three of these potential big-play backs are healthy, that leaves senior Chris Downs (5-8, 188) the odd-man out. Downs made his case in the spring game, gaining 72 yards on 14 carries, but he may have to be content working on special teams again this year.

Two more tailbacks enter the fray this fall -- Bladensburg native Josh Allen (5-11, 194) and Lakeland, Fla. speedster J.P. Humber (5-11. 196). Allen rushed for 2,999 yards the last two seasons at Eleanor Roosevelt High School and was rated 34th among running backs around the country last year by SuperPrep.

Humber is a sleeper after missing all but six games last year with a separated shoulder. He still managed to gain 1,200 all-purpose yards at George Jenkins High and has been clocked at 4.47 in the 40.

Junior James Lynch (5-11, 267) returns at fullback and he packs a punch leading Perry into the holes. He has turned more of his bulk into muscle and he is still a marvel with his quick feet.

Steady Chad Killian (6-2, 256) is back for his senior year and he will get work, too. He’s a solid blocker and a good receiver, and he can play H-back when Maryland switches up formations.

Fullback is such a deep position, in fact, that junior Bernie Fiddler (6-1, 231) was moved to linebacker where the Terps needed help. Fiddler, a great blocker and solid pass catcher, may move back if Henderson returns and the freshman linebacker class can help immediately.

If the passing game falters it won’t be because the Terrapins don’t have a wealth of experience and talent at the receiving end. While leading receiver Guilian Gary has graduated, Maryland has nine of the other 12 players who caught passes last season returning. There are some new options, too.

The most intriguing possibilities involve Harrison, the converted quarterback, who made a splash in the spring, catching two touchdowns in the Red-White game. His athleticism and ability to run the ball could make him a dynamic addition on the field this fall. He is a legitimate triple threat. Count on Friedgen to find ways to fully utilize his abilities.

Harrison ran with the first team all spring as junior Jafar Williams (6-2, 193) was in class at community college trying to regain his academic eligibility. Williams caught 39 passes for 425 yards (a 10.9 average per catch) last season and has shown a penchant for the spectacular grab. He is expected back this fall and will be a key.

The other starting spot belonged to senior Scooter Monroe (6-1, 193), who looks ready to come into his own. Monroe caught 14 passes last season, averaging 16.4 yards per catch, and he has the speed to stretch defenses. He hasn’t turned into the game-breaker predicted when he came to Maryland, but Monroe has improved each season. This could be his year.

Some casualties from last year are also coming back -- sophomores Maurice Shanks (6-4, 186), Ike Roberts (5-11, 170) and Rob Abiamiri (6-3, 216). Shanks had the most impact last season, catching a modest three passes for 34 yards. He went down with a knee injury in the regular season finale against North Carolina State but was expected back in the summer.

One of the most hotly contested battles in the spring was at the slot position, a passing downs role formerly filled by senior Darryl Whitmer and sophomore Rich Parson (5-10, 180). Parson, a converted tailback, was a real surprise, making 11 catches for 156 yards (14.2 yards per catch) and coming up big in key situations.

He battled fellow sophomore Steve Suter (5-9, 182) all spring for the slot position and by the spring game, mighty-mite Suter was running with the first team.

Receivers coach James Franklin has a bevy of other developing young pass-catchers, too. Red-shirt freshmen Derrick Fenner (5-11, 178) and Aaron Smith (6-5, 200) and sophomore walk-on Onochi Onwuemene (6-0, 190) all showed promise. Fenner is a precise route-runner and Smith’s size intrigues the coaching staff. Onwuemene was a surprise hero of the spring game, catching four passes for 117 yards, including a spectacular 50-yard grab.

Incoming freshmen Paschal Abiamiri (6-2, 191), the younger brother of Rob, has a great combination of speed, size and hands. Freshman Dan Melendez (6-2, 155) runs a 4.3 in the 40 and Fridge loves stocking up on fast players at the skill positions.

Tight end should be another strength for the Terrapins. Starter Jeff Dugan (6-4, 266) returns and Friedgen considers him the best blocking tight end in the ACC. Dugan caught only seven passes last season, a disappointing showing after his 25-catch freshman debut.

Four of five starters return on the offensive line and that’s a place where Friedgen loves continuity. The one loss is a big one -- four-year starter and All-ACC center Melvin Fowler -- but overall the line looks deep and talented enough to again kick-start one of the top running attacks in the conference.

Start with first team All-ACC pick Todd Wike (6-3, 300) at left guard. The steady senior consistently graded out as a top lineman and he could push for national honors this season if he stays healthy. He has recovered from the foot injury that kept him out of the Orange Bowl and he has played through significant injuries nearly every season (including a knee injury this spring), a testament to his toughness.

Lamar Bryant (6-3, 302) returns at right guard. One of the strongest players on the team, the junior has quick feet and excels on pulling plays. Bryant had a good spring but is getting pushed a little by local product Reggie Kemp (6-4, 312), a sophomore from Hyattsville.

Junior Ed Tyler (6-3, 312) backs Wike, and red-shirt freshman Russell Bonham (6-4, 309), a prize in last year’s recruiting class, may also work into the mix once he recovers from a leg injury. Red-shirt freshman Raheem Lewis (6-3, 329) is also on hand and will likely work into action, too.

Freshman Matt Powell (6-4, 332) of Fort Washington, rounds out the guards.

Senior Matt Crawford (6-6, 312) returns to anchor the right tackle slot for the fourth straight year. The winner of the 2001 Piccolo Award for courage, Crawford came back from a nearly debilitating left knee injury and got his first spring practice with offensive line coach Tom Brattan. Crawford started every game last season.

Brattan has developed depth behind the senior with sophomore Lou Lombardo (6-6. 303), a Fridge favorite, who has played well when he has had a chance. Red-shirt freshman Tim Donovan (6-4, 301) is also available.

The Sporting News Freshman All-American C.J. Brooks (6-5, 316) returns at left tackle, and he is in the best shape of his career. In one of the top spring battles, he seems to have fended off a strong challenge from improving junior Eric Dumas (6-6, 308). All in all, the Terps are stacked at tackle.

The one question mark is at center, where sophomore Kyle Schmitt (6-5, 310) moves in for Fowler. Schmitt was the team’s top line reserve last season while playing in every game, mostly as a reserve guard.

Sophomore Nick Novak (6-0, 189) is back after a remarkable freshman season. Novak got off to a shaky start, missing five on his first nine field-goal attempts and an extra point, but then he got his legs under him.

Novak made 12 of his last 14 field goals to finish 16-of-25, and he was 41-for-42 on extra-point kicks, to earn honorable mention All-ACC honors.

The defensive line, a rebuilding group last year, was one of the keys behind the Terrapin turnaround. For the second straight year, the unit loses its top performer. A year ago it was Kris Jenkins and this season, it is nose tackle Charles Hill, who was second on the team in tackles last year.

Blackney and Sollazzo got a lot out of this group, alternating several players in a rotation that should again make them better than the sum of their parts. In particular the emergence of sophomore Randy Starks (6-4, 299) and junior C.J. Feldheim (6-3, 277) last season was a key.

Senior Durrand Roundtree (6-3, 255), who flourished in the new defense, is back at defensive end after his best year. Pound-for-pound one of the strongest players in the program, Roundtree led all defensive linemen in every strength/athleticism category in off-season workouts.

The rush end position, or "Leo" in Terp terminology, is in a state of flux. Last year’s starter, junior Mike Whaley (6-1, 233), flunked out of school. Whaley has started all but one game the last two years and has an uncanny ability to get in the opponent’s backfield.

If he can’t work his way back in the classroom, the job should go to sophomore Jamahl Cochran (6-0, 240). Cochran saw action in 10 games last season and is one of the hardest working Terps in the weight program.

Sophomore Jon Condo (6-3, 237) is also available, as is Andrew Wojcik (6-2, 240), a Palomar (Calif.) Junior College transfer who paid his own way in the spring before a scholarship became available in the fall.

Here is the biggest area of concern for the Terrapins, a source of strength the last several years. But five seniors are gone from the depth chart and Henderson’s health remains in question.

Henderson (6-2, 250) underwent surgery to remove bone spurs in his neck in April and missed all of spring workouts. He wasn’t expected to begin a full rehabilitation schedule until July as he allows the injury time to heal.

Last season, it was Henderson putting a hurtin’ on Terrapin opponents. His 103 solo tackles were more than twice as many as the next closest Terp and his 28 tackles for losses broke Randy White’s school record.

Junior Leon Joe (6-1, 233) returns at weak-side linebacker, where he started every game a year ago. Fast emerging as a star in his own right, Joe is one of the most athletic Terrapins.

On the strong side, junior Leroy Ambush (6-1, 233) steps in for graduated Aaron Thompson, a fixture in the lineup the last three years. The speedy Ambush has seen a lot of duty off the bench the last two years and is ready to move in as a starter.

The secondary loses three all-conference performers from a year ago, including both safeties, so this is another area of concern. The good news is the Terps return players who started last year at three of the positions and the fourth spot is manned by the player raising eyebrows all spring with his outstanding play.

Junior cornerback Curome Cox (6-1, 199) has started 19 games in two years and he survived a baptism of fire as a freshman to turn into a steady performer. He has a good combination of size and speed and had two interceptions, including an 80-yard return for a score, in the spring game.

Sophomore Domonique Foxworth (5-11, 172) returns at the other corner where he saw action late last year. Injuries to others forced Foxworth to forego a red-shirt year and he is already one of the most talented defenders in the program.

Junior Dennard Wilson (5-11, 186), who started three games at cornerback last season, moves to strong safety and he is expected to excel in that role where his cover skills and hard hitting make him a natural. Senior safety-blitz specialist Tyrone Stewart (6-0, 195) is an experienced reserve.

Former walk-on Madieu Williams (6-1, 193), a transfer from Towson a year ago, was the talk of spring practice with his hitting and ability to make plays. A junior, Williams can play any of the safety positions in any of Maryland’s coverages, so don’t look for him to come off the field much.

Junior Andrew Smith, Jr. (6-0, 194), a converted corner, and sophomore Raymond Custis (5-8, 188) are also available at safety along with hard-hitting freshman Walker, who can also play offense.

Blackney, who coaches the secondary, is also excited to have freshman Marcus Wimbush (5-11, 180) in the fold this fall. Wimbush originally signed with Maryland last spring but didn’t make grades and attended Montgomery College. He was The Washington Post’s Defensive Player of the Year at Dunbar High School and rated the 13th best deep back in the nation by SuperPrep.

Senior Brooks Barnard (6-2, 188) has ranked among the national leaders in punting each of the last two seasons. He was first-team All-ACC last year and his 43.9-yard average would be a Maryland career record if he didn’t kick another ball.

Friedgen said special teams would be a point of emphasis, and they were a key component to Maryland’s success in 2001. Once Novak came around, Maryland had arguably the best kicking game in the ACC.

Barnard picks up an added duty this season, taking over kickoffs. He was consistently deep during the spring game but failed to get any in the end zone.

The consensus had Friedgen’s first full recruiting class ranked in the top five in the ACC. After loading up on linemen last year to fill a need, Fridge went for speed in this year’s class and came away with a lot of that commodity all over the field.

Experts say Maryland’s ACC title and Orange Bowl trip won’t pay off in recruiting until next season, but Friedgen and friends have already shown an ability to get into the homes of more top prospects than the previous regime. The Terps welcome five SuperPrep All-Americans in this class.

Friedgen’s long journey to his first head-coaching job (at his alma mater, no less) turned into one of the feel good stories of 2001. Great going, Big Guy. Now what do you do for an encore?

Season ticket sales are up. Every coach’s salary got boosted and there’s a plush new team building going up. Be careful what you wish for.

Now Terrapin fans are expecting more success. And it’s just not always that easy.

"Last year is over," Friedgen said. "It was nice but it’s gone, a memory. It’s a whole new team, a whole new set of situations. The one thing that is left from last season that wasn’t here last year at this time is confidence.

"There’s enthusiasm, a work ethic. [The team] understands what we want and what you have to do to prepare to win. That is there."

And as all of Maryland learned last year, that’s more than half the battle.