New Mexico's Quarterback Brad Gruner Out 4-6 Weeks With Torn MCL

New Mexico does not need any more bad luck in their attempt to improve off of last seasons disastrous 1-11 season, but they did get some bad luck when quarterback Brad Gruner tore his MCL during Monday's practice, and will have an MRI to officially see the damage.  While Gruner did not play last year he was battling for the starting job between B.R. Holbrook as well as Tate Smith, as well as incoming freshmen Darian Godfrey and Tarean Austin were to get a shot in the fall.  

Gruner was not the early leader as that distinction currently belongs to B.R. Holbrook who had a big day in the weekend scrimmage as he went 17 of 22 passes for 199 yards and a touchdown.  For the rest of spring practice Holbrook is the only healthy scholarship quarterback on the roster.  Tate Smith who is another scholarship quarterback has been limited during spring while recovering from shoulder surgery.

Here is Locksley position on the quarterback battle for the 2010 season:

"We're using this spring, the three on campus are battling. But they all know that we've got to get through spring ball and see. The two freshmen that we recruited have both been told that they're going to have an opportunity for a starting job once we get into camp. So, depending on how fast they can develop and come along will dictate us announcing who our starter will be for Oregon."     

Even though a decision will not be made for the starting quarterback job until the fall the injury to Brad Gruner -- while unfortunate -- could be an advantage to B.R. Holbrook.  Especially, since he will be getting the overwhelming majority of the snaps and have a leg up on the recovering Gruner or a couple of incoming freshman.