Friedgen blasts boo birds, no decision on starting QB
Maryland football coach Ralph Friedgen couldn’t hold it in any longer.
After calmly fielding some innocuous questions on the status of embattled quarterback Jordan Steffy, who was booed at home in Saturday’s 14-7 win over Delaware, Friedgen lit into the Byrd Stadium fans.
“With what he’s dealing with and the scrutiny of every pass that’s being judged, some of those people that are booing him would love to have children like Jordan Steffy,” said Friedgen. “The perseverance, the courage, the toughness that this kid is going through, and keeps a smile on his face and positive attitude, he has nothing but my admiration.”
His voice cracking with emotion, Friedgen continued to put the Steffy situation in paternalistic terms.
“Maybe I’m like a father,” said Friedgen. “If you’re booing my son, I’m going to get upset. That’s how I look at this kid. If he was a kid that didn’t give effort, who didn’t prepare, then that would be a different story. But that’s not the case with this kid.”
Steffy had a good first half Saturday, but it unraveled in the second when he suffered a right thumb injury and was intercepted twice and fumbled once. Steffy finished 10 of 18 for 119 yards.
Who will start at quarterback Saturday at Middle Tennessee (0-1) is a mystery. Because of his sore thumb, Steffy has yet to practice. Junior Chris Turner, a starter for eight games last year, went 1 of 3 for 11 yards in relief Saturday. Junior Josh Portis ran four times for 13 yards in spot duty.
Friedgen termed Steffy’s status as “questionable.” Even if Steffy is physically ready Saturday, he may not get the nod. Friedgen said it will be determined by who performs best in practice this week.
“He’s having trouble taking snaps and he’s having trouble handing off. That’s a concern,” said Friedgen. “We’ll see where it is [Wednesday].”
To hear the coach speak Tuesday, it was clear Steffy needs more than physical healing.
“He tried to [practice] yesterday and coach [James] Franklin told him not to. I want that guy in a foxhole with me,” said Friedgen. “If you want to boo, boo me. Don’t boo the kid.”
