Ron Snyder, The Examiner
2007-08-16 07:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

College Park -

Junior Jordan Steffy is in the lead as the race to become the University of Maryland’s starting quarterback enters the home stretch, Coach Ralph Friedgen said.

Friedgen said Steffy has the best grasp of the offense through the first eight days of practice compared with sophomores Chris Turner and Josh Portis. However, Friedgen said he wants to see all three compete again under game-like conditions before making a final decision.

All three quarterbacks will get that opportunity when in scrimmages on Thursday and Saturday before Friedgen is expected to name a starter for the season-opener against Villanova on Sept. 1 at Byrd Stadium.

“I’ve been putting them through the tests in practice,” Friedgen said. “I’ve got a pretty good idea of who handles all of those situations the best, but sometimes when coaches aren’t on the field and their on their own it makes a difference.”

Friedgen said Turner and Portis have struggled adjusting to the speed of the game during the preseason, especially when it comes to getting the signals and play-calling correct.

“That’s a concern of mine, but that doesn’t mean it won’t get better between now and game time,” Friedgen said. “I would expect that to happen with Jordan because he’s been doing it longer than the other guys. They haven’t been dealing with that kind of pressure.”

Steffy entered the preseason with more experience running Maryland’s offense than Turner and Portis, which gave him an advantage he has not relinquished. He served as the backup quarterback in 2004 and 2006 and redshirted in 2005. He played in six games in 2004, completing 12-of-32 passes for 132 yards and an interception. Last season, he played in game, going 0-for-5 with an interception against William & Mary.

In last Saturday’s scrimmage, Steffy connected on 8-of-11 passing for 113 yards and led the team to two scores. Portis threw two touchdowns, including a 32-yard touchdown to freshman wide receiver LaQuan Williams, capping a 13-play, 95-yard drive, during which he completed 7-of-8 passes for 81 yards. Turner completed 8-of-13 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown in the scrimmage.

“It’s important to try to get better everyday,” Turner said. “It’s a long season and even if I’m not the starter coming into September, anything can happen and your number can get called any time.

“Right now, coach Friedgen is looking for someone who can manage the offense. He wants us to make plays, but we have so many talented guys all we have to do is get the ball in the right spot and let them make the plays.”

Terps notes

» Junior Obi Egekeze is the current front-runner to take over at kicker, with freshman Travis Baltz doing the punting and senior Chris Roberts handling kickoffs, Friedgen said. However the coach added that could change.

» Friedgen said his is excited about the potential of his offensive line this season and expects to go at least seven deep up front with reserves sophomore Phil Costa and senior Jack Griffin seeing significant time. Both are versatile, as Costa can play guard and center while Griffin can play guard or tackle.