Sophomore quarterback MarQueis Gray told Sports Headliners after Saturday’s spring game that he made extraordinary improvement during the Gophers March and April practices that prepared the team for next season.
Either Gray or three-year starter Adam Weber is expected to soon be named the team’s No. 1 quarterback for 2010 by coach Tim Brewster. While Gray awaits that announcement, he believes that both his confidence and ability to play quarterback are dramatically improved.
“You’re just not going to be a great quarterback over night,” Gray said. “So you gotta put in the work and time and effort to be that quarterback.”
Asked to put a percentage on how much he improved from the start of the 15 spring practices to the end, Gray replied: “I would say I am about 85” (percent better).
Last season the Gophers offense often struggled, including in the team’s last three games when Minnesota scored a total of 29 points. In Big Ten games the Gophers were last in the conference in rushing at 97.1 yards per game and eighth in passing at 198.1.
In the spring game on Saturday the offensive line look improved, the running backs were okay and just like last year the receiving was disappointing with too many dropped balls. At times Gray and Weber threw effectively, completing 4 of 7 for 68 yards, and 8 of 20 for 144 yards. Gray threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Hayo Carpenter.
The Gophers need more and better offensive playmakers including at wide receiver, a position Gray was used at now and then last year. He caught six passes for 58 yards and one touchdown. He also showed why he was the team’s best athlete, a 6-foot-4, 228-pound player with good hands, speed and ability to run.
If Weber wins the quarterback job, Gray is willing to play wide receiver, full time or part. “I am a team guy,” he said. “I want to play wherever the coaches want me to play. If they want me to play receiver, I’ll play receiver.”
Gray said he won’t be too disappointed if he’s not named the starting quarterback. “No, I will just know what I have to work on to try to get better for next year.”