College Football
Kelley or McBrien?
Terps' Quarterbacks Duel for No. 1 Spot

By Josh Barr
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, April 27, 2002; Page D02

Maryland will conclude four weeks of spring practice with an intrasquad scrimmage today, but perhaps the biggest questions facing the Terrapins likely will go unanswered until practice resumes in August.

Coach Ralph Friedgen this week said he does not plan to choose a starting quarterback until the season draws closer. Chris Kelley, an All-Met Player of the Year at Seneca Valley, and West Virginia transfer Scott McBrien, a DeMatha High standout, have emerged as the top two contenders for the position, putting some distance between themselves and junior college transfer Orlando Evans.

"When we come back, I'll probably go a week to 10 days, then I'll make a decision," Friedgen said.

Kelley, who has missed 1 1/2 seasons because of knee injuries, is the better runner of the two, Friedgen said, and McBrien has executed better in the passing game. Kelley entered spring practice atop the depth chart and probably will spend the summer in the same position; but he has yet to emerge as a clear No. 1.

"Some days, one might make more plays," Friedgen said, noting that the problem is the inconsistency with which each has made plays.

"Last week, I would have said Scott McBrien [was better]. This week, Chris Kelley has made a move."

The other top issue surrounding the Terrapins is the health of linebacker E.J. Henderson and running back Bruce Perry, the ACC player of the year and offensive player of the year, respectively, who did not participate in the 15 practices because of injuries.

Henderson, who underwent back surgery on April 9 to remove bone spurs, said he expects to begin rehabilitation exercises in three weeks. Perry, who is undergoing ultrasound to break up calcification in his abdominal region, should be back to full speed in nine weeks, Friedgen said. Both players expect to be ready for the season opener on Aug. 31 against Notre Dame at the Kickoff Classic in East Rutherford, N.J. However, it remains to be seen whether they will recover completely in time.

"It will be frustrating if we don't have them in the fall," Friedgen said.

Sporting a New Look

Friedgen sounded as if he were running a fashion show as he introduced the team's new uniforms during a mid-week news conference.

The uniforms, which are red and white with black and gold trim, were produced by Nike and are elastic so that opponents will have a harder time gripping the team's jerseys. Also, there is a Velcro patch on the inside of the jersey to attach it to a player's shoulder pads and make the jersey a little tighter.

"I think it flows very nicely," Friedgen said. "They breathe very well."

A Trailer Operation

Most of the belongings in the coaches' offices are boxed up to be moved Monday into five trailers that have been set up outside the front entrance to the football complex in preparation for the first part of an $8 million renovation.

The new offices are scheduled to be completed in mid-July. Until then, Friedgen and his staff will work out of the trailers, which have been equipped with phones and a high-speed computer network.

"Like anything else, there are growing pains to move ahead," director of football operations Tom Deahn said.

Well....at least the new uniforms are good for something! I just wish they looked better! Couldn't they have used the same design as last year and done the tightening thing?