U has policy of verifying certain exam scores

By DENNIS BRACKIN, Star Tribune

Last update: August 27, 2008 - 7:58 AM

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One of the most asked questions in the MarQueis Gray eligibility saga is why the University of Minnesota admissions office didn't flag the recruit's college test scores as being suspicious. It's been reported that ACT officials flagged the score, but that might not be accurate.

The university can't comment on specific students, according to Dan Wolter, director of university news service. But Wolter confirmed that a standard university practice exists that allows the school's admissions office to ask the college testing agencies -- ACT and SAT -- to verify certain test scores.

Once the school has asked for that verification, a final admission decision is not made until the verification process is completed.

Until that point, the prospective student is allowed to take part in on-campus activities as a special, or conditional, admit.

Gophers coach Tim Brewster took several questions about Gray before announcing he only wanted to talk about the upcoming game with Northern Illinois.

Before the topic was shut off, Brewster was asked whether he was concerned that any other freshmen could be declared ineligible before Saturday.

"I don't know, do you have an idea?" Brewster said. "Not that I'm aware of."

Depth chart

Brewster indicated four starting spots are still up for grabs including outside linebacker, where senior Kevin Mannion and JC transfer Simoni Lawrence are battling. That's a bit of a surprise since Brewster has raved about the play of Lawrence throughout fall camp.

"I think you ought to give credit to Kevin Mannion," Brewster said. "Kevin has really had a great camp. ... I don't think it takes anything away from Simoni at all."

The other spots still up for grabs: Redshirt freshman Ryan Wynn and junior Jason Meinke at right tackle, sophomore D.J. Burris and redshirt freshman Ryan Orton at left guard and seniors Deon Hightower and Steve Davis at inside linebacker.

Etc.

• Brewster said the Gophers were healthy with the exception of receiver David Pittman, a JC transfer. Pittman has been bothered by a hamstring problem, but the coach said there's a chance the junior could play Saturday.

• The starting defensive front four is comprised of all returnees: ends Derrick Onwauchi and Willie VanDeSteeg and tackles Eric Small and Garrett Brown. The staff believes the front four will be improved, largely because VanDeSteeg is healthy after playing last year despite a broken wrist and bruised shoulder.