Time for a QB switch at 'U'

After being sure three weeks ago that MarQueis Gray was the right choice as the Gophers starting quarterback, I’m now just as sure that he isn’t the man for the job.

Gray has proven in four weeks as the starter that he is not Division I ready as a passer. If you’re going to play Big Ten football, you’d better be able to do a lot more as a quarterback than run with the football and occasional nail 10-yard throws. You’ve also got to complete passes down the field, something Gray has shown no ability to consistently do.

Gray needs to have the starting QB duties taken from him and handed to freshman Max Shortell, who is much more of a prototype passer.

That’s not to say that the ultra-athletic and big (6-foot-4, 240 pounds) Gray should no longer have a significant role on this team. The way the 1-3 Gophers are struggling, you could stick a stud athlete like Gray at virtually any position except quarterback, and it would be an upgrade.

The best place for him, though, is where he played last year, wide receiver. That’s also the place where he has at least an outside shot to be a future NFL player (he’s got no shot at quarterback). With Gray on one side of the field and NFL candidate DJon McKnight on the other, the Gophers would have one of the better 1-2 receiving combinations in the Big Ten. True freshman Shortell’s life as the starting QB would also be made significantly easier.

Shortell’s promise and Gray’s struggles at quarterback aren’t the only reason to move Gray. Another is that the Gophers have recruited a quarterback from Mankato West, Philip Nelson, who is loaded with potential. It just might be that he could contend next year for a starting spot.

Moving Gray from QB to receiver allows the Gophers coaches to assess two players at quarterback next year, instead of three. And it gives those two quarterbacks a fantastic target to throw to, Gray.

— Pat Ruff