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Decision on QBs is drawing closer

Friedgen to name starter soon

By Patrick Stevens (Contact) | Sunday, August 17, 2008

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Decision day for the Maryland quarterback competition is coming.

It just didn't arrive Saturday night.

Still, Terrapins coach Ralph Friedgen is determined to make a call - likely by Monday - to get ready for the Aug. 30 opener against Delaware.

“Even if it's wrong, we have to do something,” Friedgen said. “I think we have to start getting ready. I'm really thinking we have three quarterbacks who can play, and it wouldn't surprise me if all three of them play during the season. That wouldn't shock me in the least. What we have to do is get one we can win with and hopefully we can with all three of them.”

Incumbent starter Chris Turner went 8-for-16 for 124 yards and an interception, but also had a 53-yard pass to Adrian Cannon. Senior Jordan Steffy was 9-for-13 for 63 yards but also threw an interception Michael Carter returned for a touchdown. It was one of two interceptions for Carter.

Junior Josh Portis was 3-for-8 for 100 yards and a touchdown. Portis' scoring toss was a short pass to redshirt freshman Ronnie Tyler, who weaved through the defense for a 63-yard touchdown.

Turner remains atop the depth chart posted in the Terps' locker room, but realizes a decision on whether he'll remain there is coming soon.

“I'm a little nervous,” Turner said. “We'll have to see.”

Of course, this decision is hardly final, especially without any quarterback escaping the tight scrum that has existed since the start of camp.

“It's very small,” Friedgen said. “It's almost to the point where even if we name a guy, how much more reps [will the backup get] because you never know what's going to happen.”