Three Arms Better Than One at U-Md.

Friedgen Likes Collection of Quarterbacks

Over the next 24 hours, Maryland Coach Ralph Friedgen will watch tape of yesterday's scrimmage, confer with his offensive coordinator and announce his starting quarterback, even though the gap that separates one quarterback candidate from another remains small.

The three contenders -- Chris Turner, Jordan Steffy and Josh Portis -- have engaged in a competitive battle since camp began two weeks ago. And regardless of who is named the starter tomorrow, Friedgen believes that all three could play this season.

"I think we have an unusual situation," Friedgen said. "There might be a ACC team with a better quarterback out there, but I don't know if they have three quarterbacks as good as ours."

Portis called Maryland's predicament under center the "three-headed monster."

Turner started the final seven games of last season, and Friedgen acknowledges "when he is good, he is very good." But Friedgen last week still questioned the consistency of Turner, who has long fought the perception that he performs well in games but not always in practice.

Turner, who completed 8 of 16 passes for 124 yards yesterday, performed a little better than how he has been practicing, Friedgen said. On one play, Turner made a nice throw to wide receiver Adrian Cannon, who eluded defenders before being tackled after a 53-yard gain. Turner also threw an interception.

"I think I'm in pretty good position," Turner said. The decision is "pretty imminent at this point. I'm pretty anxious. I want to know. I thought today was good because we moved the ball and had some pretty long drives."

Steffy, who started the first five games last season before suffering a concussion, completed 9 of 13 passes for 63 yards. He also threw one pass that was intercepted by defensive back Michael Carter and returned 35 yards for a touchdown.

Portis, who was ineligible last season, remains in contention and, regardless of who is named starter, could see action because of his dual-threat ability. Portis completed 3 of 8 passes for 100 yards yesterday. On one play, he hooked up with wide receiver Ronnie Tyler, who scrambled through the defense for a 63-yard touchdown reception. "He is a game-breaker," Portis said of Tyler, a redshirt freshman. "He has the ability to do it all."

On another front, Friedgen was pleased with the play of his two top running backs, Da'Rel Scott and Davin Meggett. Scott had 39 rushing yards on only six carries yesterday. Meggett had 157 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns.

Friedgen said Meggett is a solid second on the depth chart and "may be pushing for first." He almost certainly will figure prominently into the rushing attack this season because of his performance throughout camp and because of the quadriceps injury suffered by Morgan Green, who was expected to compete for the starting job.

Meggett's night included a 49-yard touchdown run and a 74-yard scamper down the sideline.

"I didn't think I was going to make it," said Meggett, who remains concerned about missed assignments. "I was running away from people because I didn't want to get caught."

Terrapins Notes: Left guard Jaimie Thomas (neck) and left tackle Scott Burley (shoulder) did not play in the scrimmage. . . . Friedgen is hopeful that defensive tackle Dean Muhtadi (shoulder) can return to practice tomorrow.