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Notebook: QB Gregory Perseveres To Get His Degree

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 14, 2007

TAMPA University of South Florida junior QB Grant Gregory has gashed his nose in each of the past three seasons, including this year at Syracuse when he needed 11 stitches. Last season, he tore ligaments in his right thumb and separated his left (non-throwing) shoulder.

But each time, Gregory quickly returned. With Gregory's perseverance it shouldn't be a surprise that Gregory will receive his communications degree today after only 361/27 years. Gregory and junior WR Marcus Edwards, who also earned his degree in 3 1/2 years, both will participate in graduation ceremonies today in the Sun Dome.

Gregory transferred to USF in 2005 after spending his freshman season at Indiana in 2004.

"Graduating in 3 1/2 years after transferring is really hard to do," said Greg Gregory, Grant's father and USF's offensive coordinator. "He's done a great job. I'm really proud of him.

"He didn't want to miss [today's] practice, but his mother thought it was a necessity, and she's right. It was important I was there, too."

Greg Gregory said following next season, USF will apply for a medical hardship to try and get Grant an additional year of eligibility because of his injury plagued 2006 season.

"We know he has one more year [in 2008], but we're hoping like mad he's got two years left," Greg Gregory said. "That would be a real bonus for us as a football team."

If Grant Gregory receives an additional year, USF would have its top two QBs — Matt Grothe and Gregory — for two more seasons.

ODDS AND ENDS: Oregon has lost its top three QBs to injuries this season, but what if USF lost its top three — Grothe, Grant Gregory and Anthony Severino? "We'd probably use [senior wide receiver] Courtney Denson or [sophomore free safety] Nate Allen at quarterback," Gregory said. ... After today's practice, USF will take Sunday off. The Bulls will then practice Monday through Friday and be off Dec. 22-25. The Bulls will practice the morning of Dec. 26 before departing for El Paso, Texas, later that day.

Brett McMurphy

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