QB Gray dropped from Gophers

The most heralded freshman in coach Tim Brewster's latest recruiting class is facing questions about his entrance exam scores.

By MYRON P. MEDCALF, Star Tribune

Last update: August 26, 2008 - 6:57 AM

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Highly-touted Gophers freshman quarterback MarQueis Gray has been dropped -- at least temporarily -- from the team because of academic eligibility issues. The eligibility questions reportedly center on his college entrance exam scores.

Gray had been practicing with the team when fall practice opened, but was forced to stop practicing when questions about his test scores surfaced. He has returned to his hometown of Indianapolis, according to persons close to him.

"MarQueis Gray is not with us at this time, due to an NCAA Eligibility Center [formerly the NCAA Clearlinghouse] issue," Gophers coach Tim Brewster said in a statement. "We're hopeful, for MarQueis' sake, that this issue will be resolved."

Brewster said he would have no further comment until the issue was resolved.

Gray's mother, Alicia Gray, said that her son is "very frustrated and stressing right now."

"I really don't want to say what the situation is," Alicia Gray said by phone. "There is some situation, some things that are going on."

Gray's ACT college test scores were reportedly flagged by the ACT, which looks for potential irregularities in test scores.

ACT spokesperson Ed Colby said he cannot talk about specific student scores, but said only a "small percentage" of test scores are flagged. Colby said students who have their scores flagged are offered two options: offer evidence validating the score, or re-take the test.

Alicia Gray said that "it's up to the university" whether he plays this fall. The university, however, has already admitted Gray, and his status is now being decided by the NCAA after questions were raised about his test scores.

Two of Brewster's recruits from last February -- defensive tackle Tim McGee and receiver Vince Hill -- did not gain admission to the university after signing. Gray's status is different, because his problems came to light after he had been admitted to school.

Alicia Gray said she is confident her son will play for the Gophers this fall.

"He's looking forward to playing," she said. "He will be playing for the university."

Gray, a graduate of Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, was originally expected to redshirt this season. But last week, Brewster said a final decision on whether to play Gray this fall had not been made.

Gray, 6-4 and 215 pounds, was the most heralded player in Brewster's incoming class. He had scholarship offers from top schools around the country and was rated a consensus top-10 quarterback from last year's high school senior class by national scouting services.

Gophers sophomore quarterback Adam Weber set numerous single-season records a year ago, including passing yardage and touchdowns. But Gray also has all the makings of a future star.

Gray's mother said she expects to learn more about Gray's status in the coming days.

"It's difficult and unexpected," Alicia Gray said. "MarQueis has done nothing wrong."

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