CFB: Gophers prize recruit not eligible to play in 2008
Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS — Quarterback MarQueis Gray, the centerpiece of Minnesota's highly touted 2008 recruiting class, will not play this season because of academic ineligibility.
Coach Tim Brewster made the announcement today, but said Gray will seek to return to the university for the spring semester.
"We look forward to having MarQueis back with the Gopher football program soon," Brewster said.
Gray, one of the most heavily recruited quarterbacks in the country out of Indianapolis, surprised many when he decided on Minnesota, which was 1-11 in Brewster's first season last year. But more blue-chippers followed Gray to the Gophers in a recruiting class that national experts ranked in the top 25.
But the NCAA raised questions about Gray's ACT scores, and he will have to retake the test to gain eligibility to the university.
Gray issued a statement saying he expects to be back.
"I'm confident that I can clear up my situation this fall and I'm excited to rejoin my teammates at Minnesota," Gray said.
The Gophers have lost arguably the two best players from the freshman class as linebacker Sam Maresh will miss this season because of a heart ailment.
