Hollenbach has edge at QB

Sam Hollenbach has taken a ’slight edge’ over Joel Statham in the battle to start at quarterback for Maryland entering Saturday’s Red/White game, while Jordan Steffy may miss the coming season with knee surgery, coach Ralph Friedgen said.

That would leave the three-way competition the same as it ended last season, with Hollenbach starting, Statham close behind and Steffy out. A starter won’t be chosen until shortly before Maryland’s opener against Navy on Sept. 3, but Hollenbach’s recent steadiness has impressed the coaching staff.

’Both Sam and Joel are very close,’ Friedgen said. ’I still think Sam has a slight edge. I think Joel has closed some of the gap, and we’ll see what happens on Saturday. I’m not disappointed with either one of them.’

Hollenbach started the season-ending 13-7 victory over Wake Forest. Maryland finished 5-6, ending a three-year bowl run. Hollenbach, who admitted he considered transferring after losing the job to Statham during summer camp, completed 16 of 27 for 164 yards against the Demon Deacons.

Hollenbach has committed few turnovers during spring practices, which may give him the nod. Statham lost the job after 10 starts last year largely because he threw 15 interceptions and only eight touchdowns.

’I don’t think there’s a lot of difference between either one,? Friedgen said. ’Probably that’s a good thing. If one’s not doing it, we [may] be quick to make a major change there, either way. One thing we do have this year is we have experience. That’s a tremendous asset for us.?

Steffy could decide by next week whether to undergo season-ending knee surgery. The sophomore played sparingly last season before suffering a concussion against Virginia Tech on Nov. 18. He practiced only once this spring because of elbow and knee problems.

Steffy will undergo surgery on his right elbow for a muscular defect that would sideline him only two months. However, Steffy also must decide whether the chronic right knee problems that bothered him throughout last year warrant surgery. He could opt for less invasive procedures and play this season.

’[Surgery] has to be his call because there’s no guarantee that this is going to be his salvation,’ Friedgen said. ’We don’t have a lot of time to deal with it.’

Steffy was expected to challenge for the starting job after a promising prep career. He showed flashes of potential, completing 12 of 32 passes with one interception in six games. Steffy would have started against Wake Forest except for the concussion.

Steffy added nearly 25 pounds over the offseason, especially bulking up his upper body. However, by missing spring workouts, he has become a long shot to start this fall.

’As long as he’s not practicing, he’s not getting any better,’ Friedgen said.

Friedgen wouldn’t dismiss platooning quarterbacks, though it’s not his preference. Instead, the Terps will include more running plays to help reduce the pressure on the quarterbacks. Of course, Maryland also may use several running backs after losing Josh Allen to season-ending knee surgery in January.

Notes — Linebacker D’Qwell Jackson (wrist) and safety Isaiah Gardner (concussion) won’t play Saturday. Safety Christian Varner (high ankle sprain) is doubtful, while safety Marcus Wimbush (hamstring) is probable. … The offense will be ?vanilla? for the spring game because Friedgen is worried about opposing scouts at Byrd Stadium.