Maryland Preseason Football Camp Log: Day 14
8/19/2008 8:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 19, 2008
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Playing under a sweltering sun, the University of Maryland football team put on its best passing display of preseason camp during practice Tuesday afternoon.
Quarterbacks Jordan Steffy, Chris Turner and Josh Portis collectively completed 21 of 23 passes to open the team portion of practice, hitting on a number of short and mid-range passes. The trio of signal callers connected on throws to a dozen different players during that span - eight receivers, two tight ends and two running backs.
"I thought all three quarterbacks practiced well today," head coach Ralph Friedgen said. "I thought the last two days they've been practicing very well. I've been very pleased with all three of them."
Steffy, fresh off being named the starting quarterback Monday, went a perfect 10-for-10 during his first two series, throwing two completions apiece to wideouts Torrey Smith, Danny Oquendo and Isaiah Williams, as well as to tight end Dan Gronkowski.
Smith, a redshirt freshman from Fredericksburg, Va., caught all six passes thrown his way during the team portion of practice, including a 37-yarder from Steffy. Earlier in practice the two also connected for a touchdown on a fade pattern during a one-on-one drill.
Friedgen is expecting much of the same from Steffy when the Terps open the regular season on Saturday, Aug. 30 vs. Delaware.
"I think Jordan just has to play within the offense," Friedgen said. "I think we have enough weapons around him that if he just does that, he'll be fine. And really whoever the quarterback is, that's what he has to do - make the plays that are available. If we just do that, we'll be fine."
When he was not completing passes, Portis made plays with his feet to aid the offensive unit's cause. On several occasions the junior quarterback tucked the ball and swerved through the defensive front seven for big yardage.
Turner closed the practice by orchestrating a two-minute drill that culminated with a touchdown pass to wide receiver LaQuan Williams.
The defense also had some solid individual performances.
Defensive lineman Jared Harrell turned in the unit's play of the day when he intercepted his own tipped pass and returned it for a touchdown. Linebacker Alex Wujciak demonstrated his quick reflexes when he closed on the ball and broke up what had appeared to be a sure completion.
Tuesday's workout, conducted in shells, marked the 19th practice of preseason camp for the Terps. They resume practice Wednesday morning for what will be their final two-a-day session.
Friedgen said the team would likely not hold its third scrimmage, originally scheduled for Thursday, as it attempts to allow dinged-up players to heal and avoid further injuries in preparation for the regular season.
"We've had two good scrimmages, and it's a senior team," Friedgen said. "I like the way we're working. We just have to get people well and get ready to play."
Terp Notes:
Taylor Back: Cornerback Richard Taylor was back on the field today. The senior was hospitalized for precautionary reasons after Monday morning's practice with dehydration and a mild concussion. He was released Monday evening, but did not take part in Tuesday's workouts. Friedgen said Taylor wanted to practice, but was held back. He is expected to return to drills in the next couple days.
Roster Updates: Defensive lineman Dean Muhtadi who has been out of action the last few days with a shoulder injury returned to practice on a limited basis Tuesday ... Friedgen mentioned he would try to pare down the depth chart by the end of the week and begin scout team work for the Delaware game.
QB Decision Rewind: After Tuesday's practice, Friedgen called the quarterback decision process one of the most difficult during coaching career. "They're all great kids," Friedgen said of Jordan Steffy, Chris Turner and Josh Portis. "They work their butts off. I believe in them tremendously as people. I want them to be successes in life, not just on the football field. To me, this whole thing is a preparation for that. You have to deal with ups and downs. If you have an opportunity, you have to take advantage of it. If this isn't your opportunity, you got to keep working until the next one comes."
