Robinson keeps nothing in reserve with Terps

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By Patrick Stevens

It was quite a while ago when Jamarr Robinson last took a meaningful snap at quarterback.

As in the fall of 2005.

That figures to change this year because the Maryland sophomore enters the season as Chris Turner's backup. Robinson has grayshirted and redshirted, played in JV games and traveled throughout his college career.

But with coach Ralph Friedgen and offensive coordinator James Franklin signaling that Robinson will play at some point this season, it has created a much different situation for the longtime reserve.

"I really don't know what to do," Robinson said. "I'm so excited. I have to keep all that inside and not show it, but inside I'm going crazy."

Robinson capably hides his nerves, falling back on an even-keel approach to many things. But some of his stoicism was probably forged from surviving a frenetic start to his career.

He remained home for what could have been his first semester, delaying enrollment by a semester and joining the program in the spring of 2007. He began as the No. 6 quarterback, with the opportunity to learn the Terrapins' system.

But Jeremy Ricker decided to transfer near the end of spring practice. And Bobby Sheahin bolted during camp for Division III Salisbury. Then Josh Portis was suspended for cheating on a pop quiz.

When Jordan Steffy was sidelined with a concussion, it left the untested Robinson a heartbeat away from playing at a time when the scheme was still swirling in his mind.

"The first [year] was the worst, coming in under Coach Friedgen's offense, which I really had no clue about, and then being second-string," Robinson said. "That's when I was really nervous because I really didn't know what the hell was going on."