College Football
For Terrapins, Quarterback Battle Is Just One of Several
Coach Ralph Friedgen said sophomore QB Chris Turner is "making a heavy push right now."
(By Jonathan Newton -- The Washington Post)
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With an amazing performance at the Red-White spring game today, Maryland Coach Ralph Friedgen said it is possible for a player locked in a position battle to cement a starting spot. But it's more likely that none of the Terrapins' major position battles will be decided until the fall camp begins.
Take, for instance, the starting quarterback situation, which has evolved into a three-man contest with the emergence of sophomore Chris Turner, who is competing with junior Jordan Steffy and sophomore Josh Portis for the spot.
"Turner's making a heavy push right now," said Friedgen, who plans to give Turner reps with the rest of the first-team offense. "He's played very well. He did a lot of good things. He knows what he's doing."
But the quarterback battle is one of several that will rage on through fall camp.
"How far they come this summer is going to determine who wins the job," Friedgen said.
The coach said the spring game is a chance for the coaching staff to evaluate players in a near-game situation, particularly useful this season because the Terrapins have several players competing for significant playing time who have yet to play in a game.
"It's been my experience with this game that because there's a crowd, it's like their first collegiate game," Friedgen said about the younger players. "They get nervous. I see kids just kind of get stage fright."
The game will be divided into 12-minute quarters, though Friedgen said he will simplify the playbook.
The Terrapins' lack of depth on the offensive line has forced the team to make adjustments to the spring game. All 13 offensive linemen will wear black jerseys and be eligible to play for both teams. Friedgen said he plans to rotate offensive linemen throughout the game depending on matchups.
"This is a chance to put it all together," said redshirt freshman linebacker Alex Wujciak, who is competing with junior Chase Bullock for a starting spot.
Players will be available for an autograph session from 1 to 2 p.m. in the north concourse of Byrd Stadium, and the team will give away T-shirts to the first 2,000 fans. Admission is free.
-- Marc Carig
