Heyward-Bey makes Terps go

By Jay Jenkins

Published: October 2, 2008

Virginia coach Al Groh thought it was clearly a game-breaker.
Maryland fans likely felt it was purely common sense.
With the Terrapins’ offense reeling at a Virginia-like clip at Clemson, one play ignited the stagnant attack in an instant.
Early in the third quarter, with Maryland losing 17-6, offensive coordinator James Franklin called Fake 39 Z Reverse Right.
The result was a streaking blur.
The play was designed for Maryland wideout Darius Heyward-Bey and went for 76 yards, which set up the first of two second-half touchdowns that helped the Terps beat their fourth straight ranked opponent.
Virginia fans will get a glimpse of the speedster — at least when he is standing still — on Saturday as Maryland travels to Scott Stadium.
“This is a player that takes it another step when you ask about him,” Groh said. “It’s not just talking about he’s got size. He’s got speed, he’s pretty good, he’s dangerous. It is right there.
“He has really done it. You can certainly see the development in his game.”
Heyward-Bey, a junior, has shown the ability, when called upon, to stretch the field for Maryland. Clocked at 4.38 in the 40-yard dash as a high school standout in Maryland, the wide receiver has rushed for 168 yards on just six carries and has caught 12 passes for a team-best 250 yards.
Why Heyward-Bey has not received more touches confuses many.
“Darrius is always going to be a major part of our game plan,” Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen told reporters. “We are going to do what we have to do, but he has to do it, too.”
Heyward-Bey has dropped his share of passes, including a pair against Clemson.
That has not, however, impacted Groh’s opinion of a player that he recruited and has admired since.
“I remember a couple of years ago when Maryland beat Miami and I think the score was something like 14-10 or 17-14 or whatnot,” Groh recounted. “Maryland had ran less than 40 plays in the game, but he went 80 yards or more within the first three or four plays of the game.
“He is just that much more developed in his game, but he causes you to … he has not only an impact on the game, but on how you plan for the game.”
While Heyward-Bey has the 76-yard run this season and an 80-yard reception in the team’s lone loss to Middle Tennessee, Virginia’s longest offensive play covered just 25 yards.
“It’s explosive plays like that that add up to points,” Groh said. “Those players who produce those types of plays for their team usually make high-scoring teams.”
The walking wounded
The hits just keep coming for Virginia.
Seven players, including one of last week’s starters, were ruled out of Saturday’s game against Maryland on the team’s weekly injury report which was released Thursday evening.
Starting left guard Zak Stair, who injured his knee against Duke, will not play and is expected to be replaced by true freshman Austin Pasztor.
Virginia will also be without running backs Keith Payne (hand) and Max Milien (foot), reserve offensive lineman Landon Bradley (ankle), tight end Joe Torchia (shoulder) and reserve safety Matt Leemhuis.
While no players were listed as doubtful on the report, the following were listed as questionable: wideouts Kris Burd (ankle) and Maurice Covington (ankle), defensive end Kevin Crawford (groin) and running backs Raynard Horne (back) and Cedric Peerman (knee).