LaQuan looms

GREENSBORO, N.C. --- With a rather large scope, it's possible to argue there are a lot of things that helped bring Chris Turner to his place as the fulcrum of the Maryland football program in 2009.

One day, though, stands out --- the early autumn afternoon in 2007 when Turner rallied the Terrapins past Rutgers.

It was then Turner's big-game propensity was born. But just as important as that day was him, LaQuan Williams and his sprawling reception to set up a fourth-quarter touchdown was crucial to Turner that day.

"I have a soft spot for LaQuan, definitely," Turner said.

So maybe it isn't a surprise Turner mentioned Williams (along with Adrian Cannon) when I asked about offensive players who could prove crucial even though no one is talking about them now.

Williams was solid as a redshirt freshman, collecting 15 catches and 217 yards. But he dealt with a foot injury nearly all of last season, and his output dropped to two catches and 19 yards.

There was also a brief question of eligibility last winter, but that was quickly resolved. Now, it's just a matter of getting back on the field --- something Turner can easily envision happening this fall.

"He's getting there," Turner said. "I'm not a doctor and I don't know if he's 100 percent, but he looks very good and very healthy. In 7-on-7, he's going up and making plays. He looks like the old LaQuan to me. It's really great having him back. I'd forgotten how good he was."

--- Patrick Stevens