FAMU's Quinn Gray promoted to 2nd string QB with NFL Jacksonville Jaguars

Photo: Jacksonville Jaguar QB Quinn Gray Sr., 5th Year, FAMU, 6-3/246

The story unfolding this afternoon from the offices of the Jacksonville Jaguars indicates that first string quarterback and four year starter, Byron Leftwich will be released or traded by the Jaguars immediately, and that East Carolina's David Garrard has been named the new starting QB for the Jags. FAMU's Quinn Gray was promoted to the 2nd string QB position.

Head Coach Jack Del Rio indicates that Quinn Gray, who played well in the preseason finale after missing most of camp because of a sprained ankle, will move into the No. 2 spot. No statements were issued regarding Jacksonville carrying a third quarterback at this time.

Del Rio further stated that Garrard has played better than Leftwich throughout the preseason, and Gray had played well in last night game against the Washington Redskins. Gray has stayed focused on the task at hand, although his father passed away two weeks ago.

Most in the MEAC remember Quinn Gray for having a rifle arm, running Billy Joe's Gulf Coast Offense to record levels, and getting Florida A&M to the 1999 semi-final round of the NCAA 1-AA Playoffs with Youngstown State.

The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native is entering his fifth season in the NFL, as the second quarterback behind David Garrard … Possesses strong arm and has displayed ability to make plays … Has played in three games over four seasons and served as backup quarterback in 2006 following injury to Byron Leftwich … Appeared in NFL Europe in 2003 and led the Frankfurt Galaxy to the World Bowl Championship.

2006:
Was third quarterback for first six weeks … Served as backup to David Garrard for the final 10 games … Saw action in the second half in season-finale at Kansas City on Dec. 31 and completed 13 of 22 passes for a career-high 166 yards. Had two rushes for 26 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs … Also saw action on Nov. 5 vs. Tenn.

COLLEGE

Played in 39 games and finished career with 7,368 passing yards and 57 TDs … Started every game as a senior in 2001, completing 210 of 415 passes for 2,717 yards and 19 TDs … Graduated with a degree in physical education.

PERSONAL

Single with son (Quinn Jr.) … Lives in Fort Lauderdale … Attended Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, where he earned All-District and All-Region honors … Father, Otis, retired as head coach at Dillard where he had won two state championships … Lettered in football, basketball and baseball as a pitcher … Participates in a variety of community outreach activities … Served as judge for the Delta Teen Pageant the last two years … Spent time at a local YMCA where he along with other teammates helped pass out sporting goods equipment to the youth … Regular visitor to elementary schools where he reads to students … Attends team sponsored events such as Operation Blessing, Draft Day Fan Fest and Food Drive Kick-off … Participated in the second annual Shop with the Cops sponsored by the Nassau County Police Department … Full name: Quinn Gray Sr.

Now the rest of the story from the main stream press....

------------
By Mark Long

Jaguars plan to trade or release Leftwich after 4 injury-filled seasons

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville Jaguars are parting ways with quarterback Byron Leftwich after four frustrating, injury-filled seasons.

Coach Jack Del Rio said the team plans to trade or release the former first-round draft pick. Del Rio also named mobile backup David Garrard his starter heading into next week's season opener, believing Garrard gives the team a better chance to win.

Garrard outplayed Leftwich in the preseason, completing 36 of 47 passes for 456 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a score. But his numbers came primarily against second-team defenses.

Leftwich, who missed 10 games last season because of an ankle injury, was 19-of-38 passing for 226 yards and a touchdown in three preseason games. He misfired on several passes, badly overthrew Dennis Northcutt on two deep routes against Green Bay and continued to show messy mechanics with his feet and throwing motion.

Making the decision easier, Leftwich hasn't played a full season since being the seventh overall selection in the 2003 draft. But the former Marshall star felt he was in the best shape of his life following ankle surgery and a rigid offseason conditioning program.

Del Rio seemed to agree, naming Leftwich his starter in February and backing him every day since - until now.

Leftwich was in the final year of his contract, so releasing him would not cost the team anything extra against the salary cap in 2007.

But it would leave the Jags with little room for injury at that position. Third-string Quinn Gray, who played well in the preseason finale after missing most of camp because of a sprained ankle, will move into the No. 2 spot.

Leftwich has completed nearly 59 percent of his passes for 9,042 yards, with 51 touchdowns and 36 interceptions. He started 13 games as a rookie, then missed two games in 2004 with an injured left knee.

He missed five games the following year because of his oft-injured left ankle. He returned to the starting lineup in the playoffs, but played poorly in a loss.