By Todd McElwee

Maryland's Chris Turner, who threw for 2,516 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior, is 5-1 as a starter against ranked opponents. (Mitch Stringer/PressBox)

Chris Turner leaned back in the folding chair from which he held court during Maryland’s annual media day.

Encircled by a horde of cameras, microphones and inquisitive reporters, the fifth-year senior quarterback calmly and confidently responded to each inquiry. He welcomed the spotlight, and didn’t hesitate to let everyone know that the Terrapins were categorically his.

“The biggest difference in being a starter is the idea that people look up to you a little bit more,” he said. “There’s not any gray area for me, or competition. Yeah, it’s a little bit of pressure and a little bit of weight on my shoulders, but it’s something I want."

During the offseason Turner immersed himself in second year offensive coordinator/assistant head coach James Franklin’s playbook. He focused on decision-making and conditioning but made sure he didn’t change a quarterback’s most important asset: himself.

The California native stays within himself, exhibiting the fire and confidence of a battle-hardened veteran while commanding respect in his own trademark relaxed fashion.

“That goes with the territory, being a leader,” Turner said. “It’s all natural, though. It’s something that you can’t force.”

In the past that laidback demeanor caused issues. What many considered to be substandard practice habits didn’t endear Turner to coach Ralph Friedgen and Maryland’s brass. Last season, following a stellar sophomore campaign, that perception contributed to Turner’s holding a clipboard to begin the season opener against Delaware.

Whatever issues the coaching staff had with Turner are long dead and buried. His work ethic is unquestioned, and even heralded. Still, Turner remains the same.

“I’m not going to change who I am,” Turner said, “My personality and who I am, I’m always going to be me. That’s not going to change. As far as my preparation and my dedication to this program, I have to take it to the next level. It’s my senior year. I want to go out the right way and have a great year.”

With four years of experience to his credit, Turner is one of Maryland’s elder statesmen. He’s been there and done that, guiding the Terps to some improbable upsets while falling short in some indefensible setbacks.

“I’ve been around, I know what it takes to win,” Turner said.

All that knowledge and experience will be put to the test in 2009. Maryland’s offense lost three starting offensive linemen, including All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection Edwin Williams, as well as wide out Darius Heyward-Bey, a top-10 draftee of the Oakland Raiders. More than ever Turner will be looked upon in the huddle for direction and assurance.

“It feels great [having Turner under center],” Terps sophomore receiver Tony Logan said. “He brings a lot of confidence to the game. He’s really confident and makes all of us receivers more confident.”

Many believe that as Turner goes, so go the Terps. He’s been brilliant under the gun, going 6-1 (5-1 as a starter) versus ranked opponents while completing 143 of 225 passes for 1,636 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

Lower-tier opponents have caused Turner, and Maryland in general, the most problems. Take for example last September’s 24-14 humiliation at Middle Tennessee State. Although he teamed with Heyward-Bey for an 80-yard score, Turner connected on only 13 of 28 attempts while throwing three interceptions.

In Turner’s defense, MTSU was only his second outing in Franklin’s system. He had to think his way through reads and progressions, a hindrance for any quarterback. Turner accounted for 13 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and 2,516 yards with a 57 percent completion percentage last season. He also ran for another score. Now well-versed in this offense, his numbers are expected to improve.

“Everything last year was hearing it for the first time, trying to memorize, and get comfortable with the terminology," Franklin said. "This year he doesn’t have to think through every single decision he’s making. It’s more natural to him now and I think that’s going to carry over a lot for us.”

Issue 140: August 2009