Brown

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — C.J. Brown refuses to rest on his laurels with the University of Maryland's football team.

The 2009 Seneca Valley High graduate has improved his standing on the Terrapins' quarterback depth chart in each of his three seasons with the team.

He was red-shirted as a true freshman in 2009 and saw action in one game last season as the third-string signal caller.

Brown (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) is currently listed as the backup to redshirt sophomore Danny O'Brien as the Terps prepare for their season-opener against the University of Miami Sept. 5.

“I know I'm just one play away from getting in and I'm working every day to get better,” said Brown. “I'm preparing as if I was the starter.”

After 10 seasons, the Ralph Friedgen-era ended at Maryland following a 51-20 win over East Carolina in the Military Bowl last December. The veteran head coach was replaced by former University of Connecticut coach Randy Edsall.

“There's not that much difference in the offense,” said Brown. “Some of the terminology is new, but we're getting used to that and the new coaching staff.”

Brown's first collegiate game action came in a win over Morgan State last September.

His first play resulted in Brown breaking his clavicle, though he stayed in the game for several plays before coming out.

“You're playing in front of 60,000 fans and adrenaline just takes over,” said Brown. “I did not want to come off the field, so I sucked it up and played a few more downs.

“It was tough having my season end like that, but I had the support of my family and teammates,” he added. “Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game and you have to deal with them.”

Brown recovered fully from the injury and has turned in a solid pre-season camp.

“It's going extremely well,” he said. “I've taken a good amount of snaps with the first team and I'm very comfortable with the offense.

“I've worked on my strength and speed, but you also have to be mentally prepared for each game,” added Brown. “I've spent a lot of time in the film room.”

Right out of the gate, the Terps will be tested. The showdown with the Hurricanes will be broadcast nationally.

“We need to take it one game at a time,” said Brown. “We want to win the (Atlantic Coast Conference) and compete for the national title.”

Brown ended his career at Seneca Valley with a plethora of school records, which include passing yards in a season (2,152), in a career (3,844) and touchdown passes in a career (26).