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Northmont grad, former RedHawk Belton likely going to Maryland

Quarterback Clay Belton scrambles during a Miami practice. He left the RedHawks this month and announced plans to transfer.

Contributed photo by Robert Leifheit Quarterback Clay Belton scrambles during a Miami practice. He left the RedHawks this month and announced plans to transfer.

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By Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer Updated 8:21 AM Tuesday, September 1, 2009

For Clay Belton, one important decision will be followed by another.

One week after leaving Miami University, Belton is close to enrolling at the University of Maryland and continuing his football career with the Terrapins under head coach Ralph Friedgen.

“Maryland’s at the top of his list,” said Craig Belton II, Clay’s father, who added that his son continues to “sniff around” for the best opportunity.

According to Maryland’s 2009-10 academic calendar, fall term classes on the College Park, Md., campus began on Monday, Aug. 31.

Belton, a 6-foot-5, 223-pound left-hander from Northmont High School, would sit out the 2009 season and have two seasons of eligibility remaining if he goes to Maryland. The Atlantic Coast Conference school produced NFL quarterbacks Boomer Esiason, Frank Reich, Neil O’Donnell, Scott Zolak, Bob Avellini, Stan Gelbaugh and current San Francisco 49ers starter Shaun Hill.

Maryland lists four quarterbacks on its 2009 roster — senior Chris Turner, sophomore Jamarr Robinson, and freshmen C.J. Brown and Danny O’Brien.

Only one current Terrapin hails from Ohio. He’s Travis Baltz, a junior punter and placekicker from Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse, the northwest portion of the Buckeye State.

Belton said a week ago that he’s worked hard on his conditioning to expand his game. He sees himself as more than just a pocket passer.

Contact this reporter at cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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