Maryland starting quarterback C.J. Brown has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee and will be out for the season, the school announced Wednesday.

Brown, a junior who started five games last season, suffered the injury Tuesday night in a non-contact drill.

"I feel terrible for C.J.," coach Randy Edsall said in a statement. "He's worked incredibly hard to be the starting quarterback of this team. He's stepped up and been a tremendous leader. We'll do everything we can to make sure he gets the best treatment to help in his recovery."

On Tuesday, Edsall said that Perry Hills, a Pittsburgh native, had gained an early edge over fellow true freshman Caleb Rowe as the No. 2 quarterback behind Brown.

The transfer of former starter Danny O'Brien to Wisconsin has left the position extremely thin and inexperienced. The injury to Brown is a huge blow to a team trying to rebound from a 2-10 season. No other quarterback on the roster has thrown a collegiate pass.

"Although C.J. won't be out on the field, he'll continue to be an important part of this program," Edsall said. "As a captain and team leader, he'll do everything he can to help mentor the other quarterbacks on our team."