Maryland is looking for a new quarterback. Several offensive linemen. Middle linebacker, punter and kicker. But most of all, the Terrapins opened summer camp Monday searching for an offensive identity.
No matter whether Jordan Steffy outlasts Josh Portis at quarterback, Maryland needs to find its crunch time offense. Are the Terps a passing team that can also run or a running team that can also pass?
With its top three receivers and two running backs returning, Maryland can keeping defenses guessing. But, a young overall unit also needs confidence that it can convert its favorite play even against an awaiting defense. It will make the difference in close games the 9-4 Terps regularly won last season. Maybe it’s Lance Ball running straight ahead for four yards or Keon Lattimore bouncing outside past the marker? Perhaps it’s a deep ball to Darrius Heyward-Bey or a possession route to Joey Haynos. Whatever it is, the Terps need to develop it before opening against Villanova on Sept. 1.
“What I want is the ability to do both – run and pass,” coach Ralph Friedgen said. “Let the quarterback put us in the right situation and give us the best chance to being successful. If we can’t throw the ball as well as we like, at least I feel we can run the football. But to run the football would be a whole lot easier if we can throw it.” Friedgen is picking more than a passer – he’s choosing an offense.
Steffy is the frontrunner because he knows the offense. Ultimately, that breaks all ties. However, Steffy is a bit more methodical than Portis, whose athleticism might rival former tight end Vernon Davis, who was a 2006 first-rounder. Steffy is much like Scott McBrien, who led Maryland to 21 wins in 2002-03 through his smarts more than his talent. Think a much more mobile version of Sam Hollenbach over the last two years. Steffy will be a system quarterback who can do what Friedgen wants and there’s nothing wrong with that. But Portis’ upside is so tempting Friedgen is giving the transfer one week to grab the job.
The former Florida passer, who sat out last year, is that rare athlete whose potential is intoxicating. The cousin of Redskins running back Clinton Portis could be the next Boomer Esiason for the Terps. The offense might be much more explosive, but Portis isn’t as knowledgeable in the playbook and turnovers are one implosion Friedgen won’t risk. Friedgen is deciding which flavor he prefers – vanilla or Neapolitan. Drew Barrymore or Brittany Spears. Ben Affleck or Robert Downey Jr.
The Terps need a sexy offense as much as a winning record. Maryland is expanding Byrd Stadium next year and selling luxury boxes for a boring team isn’t easy. Ask Redskins owner Dan Snyder, who must invite premium seat holders to Redskinette cheerleader parties for renewing.
Good thing Friedgen has more than 1,200 formations in his playbook. The Terps might use them all this season.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
