Oct 20, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback MarQueis Gray (5) throws a pass during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
There have been several key shuffles on the Gopher depth chart in the weeks following the loss against Iowa, including freshman Philip Nelson getting the start at quarterback and Rodrick Williams burning his redshirt to split time in the backfield with Donnell Kirkwood.
But the latest shuffle involves MarQueis Gray, who will be playing at wide receiver for the remainder of the season.
Gray, who suffered an ankle injury in the win against Western Michigan in Week 3 and tweaked the same ankle when he stepped in to replace Max Shortell last week against Northwestern, is looking towards his future, one that hopefully involves the NFL.
The former Gopher quarterback lined up wide against Wisconsin, catching 3 passes for 20 yards, and is looking forward to contributing to the team as best as he can in the final five games of the season while also providing a big target for Nelson.
The senior from Indianapolis played wide receiver in 2010, catching 42 passes for 587 yards and 5 touchdowns from former Gopher quarterback Adam Weber.
Gray is smart to be looking out for his future and his family.
A father of three, according to his Twitter, he is getting married on December 12.
The teams reigns is in Nelson’s hands now, but Gray has to keep playing, healthy or not, if he wants a shot at continuing his football career beyond the Gophers.
There is little to no doubt that Gray is talented: he rushed for 966 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2011 while playing quarterback, but it’s pretty clear quarterback is not his future in football.
P.S.
As long as we’re talking about shuffling the Gopher roster, why not bench Jordan Wettstein, who missed a PAT while almost connecting on a 51-yard field goal against Wisconsin.