Steffy will start for Terps

Another year, another three-way race at quarterback for the Maryland football team.

And another season opener to be started by Jordan Steffy.

Coach Ralph Friedgen named the fifth-year senior the Terrapins‘ starter for the Aug. 30 opener against Delaware, emphasizing Steffy’s consistency throughout camp and even as far back as spring practice as the basis for his decision.

“When you look at all the data, Jordan Steffy’s earned the spot,” Friedgen said.

Chris Turner, who started the final eight games of last season, will be the No. 2 quarterback. Junior Josh Portis is the third-stringer, but Maryland will use him in specific packages throughout the season.

The decision makes Steffy the opening game starter for the second straight year. Steffy had the job for a month last season, losing it when he was knocked out of a game at Rutgers on concussion resulting from a helmet-to-helmet hit.

“I feel like I’m progressing each year and each year and I’m ready to take the next step,” Steffy said.

Turner stepped in and rallied the Terps to a victory in that game, and later helped engineer an upset of Boston College in November. Maryland was 2-2 in the four games Steffy completed early in the season, and 4-5 with Turner.

Turner was unavailable for comment after Monday morning’s practice.

Portis, meanwhile, appears set to finally get on the field. He sat out the 2006 season after transferring from Florida, then served an academic suspension last year for cheating on a quiz.

“He will play,” offensive coordinator James Franklin said of Portis. “He’s one of the most freakish athletes I’ve ever been around at any level. He will play.”

The three-way race remained a toss-up throughout camp, though Franklin sensed Steffy starting to take over late last week. But a mediocre outing in Saturday’s scrimmage led to another re-evaluation over the weekend.

Franklin, in his first year back at Maryland, talked with several players and assistant coaches to get a sense of who they believed should be the starter.

Friedgen said about two-thirds of the players polled gave the nod to Steffy, further cementing his belief Steffy earned the gig in practice.

“I have a credibility thing,” Friedgen said. “I evaluate what I see. I have to have some credibility with my players. They see it also. If you don’t, you’re in danger of losing the whole team.”

Story Continues →