When the Gophers begin spring football practice on March 24, it’s quarterback MarQueis Gray who seems a sure bet to be the focus of media and fan attention. He was the prize recruit in last year’s class of newcomers but wasn’t eligible to play in 2008.
Gray will be a freshman this spring and next fall. Although the Gophers will have promising players in the recruiting class they announce today, part of national signing day across the country, none may make the impact next fall of Gray. Coming out of Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, Gray was known for his passing and running. He was ranked by rivals.com as the No. 3 dual threat quarterback in the country.
The No. 1 guy was Terrelle Pryor who became a starter for Ohio State last season. Opinion is Gray will prove to be the superior passer in college.
Both because of necessity and talent, Gray won’t be redshirted in 2009 even though he could be, coach Tim Brewster told Sports Headliners. Backup quarterbacks Tony Mortensen and Mike Maciejowski were seniors last fall and must be replaced. That leaves Gray, redshirt freshman John Nance and walk-on Adam Lueck as the backups this spring for returning starter Adam Weber, the No. 1 quarterback the last two seasons.
Weber will be held out of contact this spring following surgery on his left shoulder. “This is going to be a great spring for him (Gray) because Adam is going to be very limited,” Brewster said. “He’s going to get all the first team snaps.”
Brewster anticipates this spring will prepare Gray to play and help the Gophers as the No. 2 quarterback next season. Brewster said the offensive plan for each game will include Gray and that his young quarterback will take some snaps in place of Weber.
Brewster also said Weber could be “one of the better quarterbacks in the country” next season. He expects Weber to be challenged by and benefit from working with new offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch who is respected in the NFL including by All-Pro quarterback Peyton Manning of Indianapolis.