By Ivette Lucero Lopez

The Terrapins took the field in shoulder pads and helmets on Wednesday for the first time this preseason.

With many players coming off injury this year head coach Randy Edsall discussed before practice that coming off an injury is not easy.

When asked about wide receiver Deon Long, who suffered a broken tibia and fibula last season, Edsall described his last two days at practice as “rusty,” and that, “he needs to do better on finishing.”

Long did just that in day three of practice looking more focused and prepared.

“I know what I am doing wrong and I know the type of player he [Edsall] knows I am and I know what he wants out of me,” Long said. “He’s a type of coach who sees your potential and knows how to get the best out of you. He will hold you to high standards and you need a coach like that.”

The senior also discussed his excitement to join the Big Ten and take the field for one last year.

“You gotta live in the moment take it one game at a time,” Long said.

In addition to Long, the offense as a whole looks to have made several improvements over the past two days. The defense continued to look sharp and demonstrate leadership skills. Overall, with the use of pads, the team seemed more in tune with each other.

Day four of preseason will take place on Thursday.