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University of Minnesota Athletics
Start of Semester Brings Roster Changes
1/22/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
When spring football practices begin at the University of Minnesota on March 24, the Gophers will have the services of four new additions. Add two transfers who practiced with the team last season, but could not play due to NCAA regulations and the Gophers will have a total of six student-athletes taking part in spring ball who were not available to the team on game days in 2008.
Three highly-touted members of Minnesota’s 2008 recruiting class quarterback MarQueis Gray and linebackers Sam Maresh and Spencer Reeves have enrolled in classes at the University and joined the football squad. They will be joined by junior college transfer offensive lineman Jeff Wills. In addition, offensive lineman Matt Carufel and defensive back Kim Royston will go from strictly being able to practice to preparing for game action in the 2009 season.
Head coach Tim Brewster said he is looking forward to the impact this group could have on the squad, as the Gophers move into spring football.
“I’m very excited about having these six young men in our program,” Brewster said. “All six of them are in school and really excited about being a part of this team going into spring practice.”
Here’s what Brewster had to say about each of these six student-athletes:
MarQueis Gray, QB, 6-4, 215, Indianapolis, Ind. “I’m very proud of MarQueis and his effort to join our program here at the University of Minnesota. He is an outstanding young man and an extremely talented football player.”
Sam Maresh, LB, 6-3, 235, Champlin, Minn. “Sam and his story are amazing. It is truly a blessing for the State of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota to have him representing the University and playing football. He’s been through a great deal. I’m just thankful and excited that he’s healthy, doing well and ready to join our program.”
Spencer Reeves, LB, 6-2, 200, Dallas, Texas “Spencer is extremely excited about being a part of our football program. He’s a mature kid and I look forward to him doing well as a student and a football player. I expect great things from Spencer.”
Jeff Wills, OL, 6-7, 350, Laurelton, N.Y. “Jeff is an extremely large young man with outstanding athletic ability. We couldn’t be more pleased that he is on campus and ready to go to work with us this spring.”
Matt Carufel, OL, 6-5, 295, Forest Lake, Minn. “Matt is a Minnesota kid who decided to come home and be a part of something special in his home state. He is proud to represent Minnesota as part of our football program. Matt has done a great job as a student and a player since he’s been here. It is exciting to know that he’s going to be eligible to get on the field this fall.”
Kim Royston, DB, 5-11, 185, Minneapolis, Minn. “Kim really wanted to be in the State of Minnesota and help his home state school win a championship. He’s the type of player who can do that. He’s also a great student and football player and we’re looking forward to getting him on the field.”
In addition to the six aforementioned student-athletes, Brewster announced that defensive back Tramaine Brock is not enrolled at the University for the Spring semester.
“Tramaine Brock will not be a part of our team this spring,” Brewster said. “But we fully anticipate that he will re-join the team this summer and be a part of our program in the fall.”
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