MarQueis Gray told Sports Headliners after Saturday’s spring game he didn’t know who the Gophers’ No. 1 quarterback is, but a few minutes later offensive coordinator Matt Limegrover said the job is Gray’s.
Limegrover and head coach Jerry Kill have become acquainted with the junior quarterback in meetings and practices during the last few months including spring drills that ended on Saturday. “He (Gray) did a great job,” Limegrover said. “I think he’s a guy who has proven that not only is he a wonderful athlete, but he’s got the mental makeup to be an outstanding quarterback.
“He makes mistakes but the great thing is he’ll be the first kid in on Monday watching this film (from the spring game) and he’ll be hard on himself. He’ll know he missed checks. He’ll know he missed some throws. His grasp of the offense isn’t where it needs to be but it’s a lot further along than what you’d almost expect. So we’re pretty excited about the overall package…the work that he’s put in.”
Limegrover didn’t hesitate when asked about Gray being the No. 1 quarterback. “He’s our No. 1,” Limegrover answered. “ Things always change but he’s earned that because of what he did prior to spring ball−as much as what he did during spring ball−with his preparation.”
Limegrover said Gray is an example of success for Minnesota’s backup quarterbacks, redshirt freshman Tom Parish and redshirt sophomore Moses Alipate. Joining the quarterback roster in the summer will be Max Shortell, among the more highly anticipated players in Kill’s first freshman class.
There’s been media speculation that Alipate, a big quarterback at 6-5, 285 pounds, might switch to another position. Asked about that after the spring game, Alipate said he isn’t aware of a change coming but if a switch will help the team he’s willing.
Limegrover, who is part of a new 2011 coaching staff headed by Kill, was asked about a change. “You’d have to talk to coach (Kill) about that,” he said. “He kind of keeps that part of it close to the vest. We’ll meet on every kid here before too long, probably some time this week. He’ll meet with them (all the players). He’s not a guy who kind of has that knee jerk reaction to anything. It will be a process to make sure it’s the right thing (changing anyone’s position) all the way around.”