Gophers: QB race likely will go right down to the wire

By Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune

Last update: August 11, 2007 - 5:45 PM

COLLEGEVILLE, MINN. - Gophers junior quarterback Tony Mortensen entered training camp slightly ahead of redshirt freshman Adam Weber in the quarterback competition, but Weber has closed the gap and the two will enter the second week in a deadlock.

The Gophers finished their retreat to St. John's on Saturday morning. Afterward, coach Tim Brewster said Weber has made the biggest improvement of any quarterback since spring practice, but he indicated the job is up for grabs as the team begins two-a-day workouts Monday.

"They're competing their tails off," Brewster said. "We've got great competition at that position." Mortensen and Weber are getting the majority of reps with the first-team offense. True freshman Clint Brewster also is seeing some action with the first unit.

Mortensen began camp at No. 1 on the depth chart because he showed a better grasp of the new spread offense this spring. Weber's understanding of the offense came slower, but Brewster said Weber seems to have a better handle on it now.

"He just looks more comfortable," Brewster said. "I think Adam is becoming a better student of the game. I think he's obviously spending some time studying the game."

Weber said he felt more comfortable with the offense this week. He got the offense on track Saturday with back-to-back completions on nice throws followed by a scramble for big yardage.

"Tony and myself are making equal improvements," Weber said. "Sometimes he'll have a great practice and I'll do a little bad. If he has a bad practice I'll do some things good. So I think it's going to be a back-and-forth battle. I think it's going to go all the way down until the week of the game."

Brewster has said he might not name a starter until right before kickoff of the Sept. 1 season opener against Bowling Green. A lot can happen in the interim.

"I'm just letting them compete," offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar said. "They're making good progress. We've still got a lot of work to do, but we're going in the right direction. I tell people that we'll just play it out and let them keep competing and see where it goes."

Both quarterbacks had their share of good and bad moments this week. Turnovers were a problem, but each guy seemed to show improvement as the week progressed.

"We covered a lot of stuff," Mortensen said. "A lot of the concepts are in. We just have to work on perfecting them now."

Etc.

• The Gophers had nothing but positive reviews about the time spent at St. John's. Among the activities: a softball game, barbecue and late-night skits.

• Eden Prairie coach Mike Grant addressed the team after practice.

• Cornerback Jamal Harris had the defensive play of the day, when he tipped a pass and came down with the interception.

Chip Scoggins • ascoggins@startribune.com

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