Aug. 13, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
The Terrapin quarterbacks continued to excel as the Maryland football team entered its second week of preseason camp with an early practice session Monday morning.
Jordan Steffy, Chris Turner and Josh Portis all showed the ability to throw the ball downfield.
Steffy, who continues to lead the race at quarterback, looked sharp all around, completing passes to receivers at all levels of the defense, and demonstrating good patience. The junior found wide receiver Danny Oquendo on several occasions, including a pair of deep outs that were perfectly placed.
Demonstrating patience in the pocket and confidence in his receivers, Steffy stood tall and waited for the routes to develop downfield. He dumped off to his running backs if needed and did not force the ball into coverage. He scanned the field before hitting open receivers like Joey Haynos and Stephen Smalls for sizable gains.
Head coach Ralph Friedgen attributes his ascension to the top of the depth chart to his attitude off of it.
"I've never seen Jordan disgruntled," Friedgen said. "I've always seen him contribute at meetings. He was always into the game [last season as a backup]."
The other quarterbacks also had success throwing long.
Sophomore Chris Turner hit fourth-year wideout Matt Goldberg on a deep out and found Adrian Cannon on a deep slant in the middle of the field. Cannon was immediately tackled by the safety, but the wide receiver held on to the ball for a 20-yard gain.
Portis, who was 11 of 13 for 106 yards and one TD in Saturday's scrimmage, also hit Cannon deep down the field for a long gain, but threw an interception to backup safety Jeff Allen, who stepped in front of the intended receiver for the pick, and then returned it for a touchdown.
Also on the defensive side, end Jeremy Navarre knocked down a throw by Steffy, while linebacker Erin Henderson got his hands on a Portis pass, and nearly made the pick.
After practice, Friedgen reflected on the defense's performance in Saturday's scrimmage.
"Our tackling in close was pretty good, it was the tackling in space that I think we have to get better at," Friedgen said. "I didn't see anything that can't be fixed. I'm sure the next time we scrimmage, the defense will be flying high and the offense will have its hands full."
Friedgen did single out several defenders as having performed well, including Henderson and Dave Philistin, as well as cornerback Anthony Wiseman. Philistin had a scrimmage-high nine tackles, while Wiseman chipped in with eight. Henderson made the lone interception during the 85-play scrimmage.
Friedgen also announced after practice that reserve quarterback Bobby Sheahin and reserve linebacker Brian Dickerson have left the squad. Both of them were walk-ons. Running back Dan Bonato is likely to be added to the 105-man camp roster.
The Terps will have one more practice Monday, working out at 5:30 p.m. They'll hit the field at 4 p.m. Tuesday for a single session.
All practices and scrimmages remain closed to the public, while credentialed members of the media may attend the first five periods (approximately 30 minutes) of each workout, except scrimmages.
