When senior quarterback Gunnar Gray took the field for his first career start, it was a moment that was years in the making.
“It was great, getting that first start out of the way has always been a dream of mine,” Gray said. “Being able to do that was a lot of fun. I had my family here and they are very supportive of me. My teammates were very happy for me — overall it was a great experience.”
Gray, a San Diego native, is the top backup for senior quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson. He has spent most of this year watching and learning from the sidelines, but when his name was called, he was ready.
Gray said his preparation didn’t change much heading into the start. “Just like any other week, ya know?” Gray said. “If I’m the backup quarterback, you still have to prepare as if you’re starting. Knowing you have to play is different, obviously, because you’re the guy out there, but it’s similar to every other week.”
That mindset helped Gray settle in quickly. He threw his first career touchdown in the game, a moment that stood out as a personal milestone.
“Getting that first touchdown was awesome,” Gray said. “Getting that out of the way was a great feeling. I played against UConn last year towards the end of the game, and it didn’t work out that way. I threw an interception in that game, but getting that first touchdown was awesome.”
Before arriving in Buffalo, Gray was recruited out of San Diego by recruiting coordinator Ron Whitcomb. The chance to reunite with family in Syracuse — just over a two hour drive from campus — helped seal the deal.
“Coach Whitcomb did a great job at getting me out there,” Gray said. “[My family] makes the trip out here almost every Saturday to come and support me. My parents still live in San Diego, and the rest of my family lives in Syracuse — it’s nice to see that.”
Moving from California’s sunny coast to Buffalo’s unpredictable weather hasn’t been without its challenges, but Gray has embraced it.
“Obviously it’s different. The San Diego weather is way different than Buffalo’s. The winters are different; I had to get used to that,” he said. “Having to get a snow coat for the first time and boots when I was out here. But the summers here are awesome. I get to see all four seasons, which you don’t get in San Diego.”
Off the field, Gray describes himself as lighthearted and energetic — a personality that fits well in the Bulls’ locker room.
“I like to be sarcastic; I like to make fun of people, but it’s all in good love. My friends know when I’m making jokes, they know I love them.”
As Gray continues to adjust to life in Buffalo, he’s focused on improving each week and making the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
The sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com.
