In recent years, kicker Nick Novak and wide receiver Rich Parson represented the latest in a long line of former Maryland Terrapins who made it into the Redskins' program.
With that, the number of former Terps who became Redskins reached 31 all-time.
Early on Friday afternoon, a cold and blustery one at that, a group of some 60 local college players made their way to Redskins Park for an initial tryout.
Of course, Maryland was well represented, with eight prospects on hand.
In most cases, the chances that any of the local college players will eventually wear burgundy and gold or the colors of any other NFL club are really remote.
Just don't try telling that to any of them just yet.
Certainly among those with high hopes during Friday's workouts under the watchful eyes of Redskins coaches and player personnel experts was former Maryland quarterback Sam Hollenbach.
The 6-4, 214-pound Hollenbach, a native of Sellersville, Pa., gave it his best shot in the wind and the cold. Like everyone in the camp, he was at the very least thankful for Friday's opportunity.
"I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I hope to be drafted at the end of the month," Hollenbach said after about two hours of drills and exercises. "If that doesn't happen, I just hope to make a roster come August."
Said Chip Flanagan, a third-year member of the Redskins' college scouting department: "Sam may be the most recognizable name as far as the local college scene. He had an outstanding career at Maryland."
In 2006, Hollenbach, a fifth-year senior, directed Ralph Friedgen's Maryland team to a 9-4 finish. He was MVP of the 2006 Champs Sports Bowl as the Terps beat up on Purdue 24-7. It was a year in which Maryland put together a five-game winning streak at mid-season.
During his college career, Hollenbach went 28-24 at College Park. He completed 417 of 679 passes for 5,139 yards with 28 touchdowns and 26 interceptions in the always-tough ACC.
Hollenbach said his father had a tryout with the Steelers back in 1975. The former Maryland QB has been invited to an Eagles tryout scheduled for next Monday.
"As far as working out with the Redskins, all I can say right now is that it was a great opportunity and I'm thankful for the chance," he said.
Hollenbach appeared to display a strong arm as he worked out with Redskins coaches Al Saunders and Bill Lazor close by.
Hollenbach said of the experience: "It was fun, but at the same time I was really impressed with how much the coaches were actually involved. They really gave us one-on-one attention. That's all you can ask for at this point."
