Gray & Other Former Gophers Aim To Impress On Pro Day
MINNEAPOLIS (AP/WCCO) — MarQueis Gray went through skill drills for pro scouts with several other former Gophers teammates on Monday at the annual pre-draft workout session at the university's practice facility. Thirteen NFL teams had a representative in attendance.
Former Minnesota standout MarQueis Gray is being considered by NFL teams at three different positions. Gopher cornerback Michael Carter was also out to showcase his skills.
"Probably more of speed than anything, because I think I really well on my quick exchange – like short shuttles," Carter said.
Gray says the left ankle he injured in a game last Sept. 15 is still not fully healed, which has hindered his sprinting ability. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.67 seconds on Monday, more than a half-second faster than his time at the NFL scouting combine last month in Indianapolis. Gray says he's always considered himself a quarterback first, but he's open to any position.
"I'm always going to be a quarterback, but a receiver is probably my second one," Gray said. "But if a coach asks me to it, then that's something I'll have to do."
According to Vikings quarterback coach Craig Johnson, this is just one part of the process - show he can throw, not about reading defenses yet.
"It's hard to really tell because we really didn't get into the Xs-and-Os part of it," Johnson said. "But we were really looking forward just to see if he had the natural skills to be able to throw all the necessary throws, and then you can watch tape and find out what his decision making is like."
But he's keenly aware he may be asked to catch the football - a big target who's split time at the positions in his college career. And Gray believes that's what makes him more marketable.
"I've been getting a lot of feedback from quarterback, tight end and receivers. So, I mean, I think it's just helping me out in the long run," he said.
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