Friedgen picks Statham as QB

Maryland quarterback Joel Statham was named the Terrapins starter over Sam Hollenbach yesterday as the Terrapins prepared for Saturday’s Red-White intrasquad game at Byrd Stadium that will end spring practice.

Coach Ralph Friedgen said Statham will open the season against Northern Illinois on Sept.4 barring an unexpected dropoff when fall practices begin Aug.10.

“Someone would have to come on very, very strong, or he’d [have to] just fall apart next fall,” Friedgen said. “I think he’s made enough progress that I’m pleased where he’s at. Now he’s going to still have to go further. The next question is, can he do it in games?”

Consistency was the difference in the spring competition. Statham was steady throughout while Hollenbach was uneven. Statham’s mobility makes it easier to run the option offense over Hollenbach, who’s a pocket passer.

“Joel is seeing things well,” Friedgen said. “When he makes a mistake, he knows what he did. … I think Sam Hollenbach has improved. He’s just not doing it as consistently as he needs to.”

Statham entered spring practice the slight favorite to succeed departed two-time bowl MVP Scott McBrien. The redshirt freshman emerged as the backup during midseason last year but completed only 12 of 25 for 156 yards with one interception over six games. The Terps reduced their playbook during the spring to avoid overloading their quarterbacks. However, Friedgen said the offense won’t be predictable despite a simpler scheme at the start of the season.

“We have enough to win our first three games with what we have in right now,” he said. “I wanted our quarterbacks to come out of the spring with something tangible to feel confident about. … We just have to make it as simple as we can so Joel can grow with that. As he progresses, we’ll progress.”

The passing game is expected to pace the Terps’ bid for an unprecedented fourth straight 10-win season. Four of Maryland’s top five receivers return, and tight ends Vernon Davis and Rob Abiamiri are expected to become increased options. The latter two may even play H-back or double-tight end packages as the Terps use four-receiver sets regularly.

“We’ll be very unpredictable in what formations we’ll be in by the personnel on the field, and therein lies an advantage,” Friedgen said. “You’re going to get Vernon and Rob matched up on linebackers.”

Notes — Admission and parking for the Red-White game are free. The first 6,000 fans will receive shirts. The autograph session begins at 1:30p.m. with kickoff at 4p.m. The new uniforms will be unveiled at halftime. …

Receiver Dan Melendez (fractured foot) and nose tackle Davian Bryan (knee) are out. Cornerback Reuben Haigler (groin), nose tackle Justin Duffie (Crohn’s disease) and D’Qwell Jackson (hamstring) are questionable. … Josh Allen remains the No.1 running back over Sam Maldonado, who missed spring practices after late-season knee surgery. Mario Merrills has emerged as No.3, which is often used by Friedgen. … Quarterbacks Dan Gronkowski and Ryan Mitch also will play. They’ll compete against incoming freshman Jordan Steffy for No.3.