Randy Edsall has only been the Maryland football coach for a few months, but he hasn't wasted any time in instilling new rules and regulations that the team must follow. During 2011 Spring Practice, the team is beginning to experience what playing for Edsall will be like, and according to Jeff Barker at the Baltimore Sun, it's considerably more strict than playing for Ralph Friedgen.
No wearing ball caps or do-rags inside the Gossett Football Team House. No earrings. Players say they'll be able to have facial hair if it is neatly trimmed.
"What we're trying to do is prepare these kids for life," Edsall said in an interview. "When you meet people for the first time, you make a lasting impression. We're trying to instill discipline and give them an advantage over other people when they leave college. I know what employers are looking for."
Edsall has also brought an NFL tradition to the team, punishing players for being late to team meetings. Defensive Tackle A.J. Francis has already been punished for his tardiness, and his sentence was a whole mess of bear-crawls. So far, there haven't been any complaints from players about the rules. A little apprehension because it is not what they are used to, but no outright complaints.
I like a coach who is going not only expect the best out of his players, but demand it. I know this isn't a professional football team, but the players need to act professional if they want to win. And if his new rules lead to wins, then I think the players will be more receptive to these stricter regulations.