Coach Speak: Easton coach breaks down new Maryland signee Lance LeGendre

At one point, Lance LeGendre was just trying to secure the starting gig behind center for Warren Easton (La.) High School.

A back-and-forth battle between LeGendre and his teammate eventually led to the incredible ascension of the Easton football program, from deep playoff runs to a Class 4A state championship game appearance.

Coach Jerry Phillips can’t help but credit his quarterback, who had to earn the job, for the rise.

“Oh man, it’s been a long ride with Lance,” Phillips laughed. “We’ve enjoyed it. I wish I could get him for another year. His senior year, he finally figured it out. Kids peak at different times. I remember that quarterback battle. He took it kind of hard at the time, but that’s what he needed, and his senior year he figured it out. I’m happy for him.”

After a productive run at Easton, LeGendre committed and signed with Maryland over Florida State on National Signing Day.

Even while he was verbally committed to Kansas as a junior, the 4-star dual-threat passer made unofficial visits to Florida State. Maryland entered the picture late -- after hiring Mike Locksley away from Alabama -- and received the final official visit. Tennessee and Miami also made pushes before the Terps won out.

“He has a shot at starting right away at Maryland,” Phillips said. “They got (Locksley). He likes the coaches, he likes the offensive coordinator, and he really likes Coach Locksley. He’ll have a chance to compete for a starting spot right away, as soon as he steps foot on campus from what I hear. I hear they’re loaded at all the skill positions and they just need a trigger man, so he’ll fit in real well.”

The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder will have a chance to be the Terps’ QB1 as soon as he arrives in College Park after the team lost its starter to injury.

Coach Willie Taggart and his staff made their high opinion of LeGendre well-known during his recruitment leading into Wednesday. Now, Florida State is getting that guy both on and away from the field.

“It’s a new staff and Lance will be their guy,” said Phillips. “That’s a special position, and if a coach wants you at quarterback, you’re gonna be their guy. That place is a win for him.”

“He’ll be a leader, but he stays to himself,” the coach added. “He’s level-headed, not the bragging type, not the rah-rah type. He does that when he needs to, but he doesn’t, he’s cool, calm and collected all the time. That’s a good asset for a quarterback.”