FanPost

The Top Rocket

The University of Toledo has had its fair share of good football players suit and take the field at the Glass Bowl, some have went on to play on Sundays as well. One the greatest to ever play at the school was quarterback Bruce Gradkowski who was electric when on the field for the Rockets. A three-year starter, the skilled passer who also used his dual threat abilities to escape pressure and extend plays while piling up impressive stats. In 2001, Gradkowski was red-shirted for his freshman year but went on to win the starting job as sophomore (2003). Playing in 12 games as starter Gradkowski compiled impressive stats, passing for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns with only 7 interceptions. He added one touchdown on the ground while rushing for 504 yards on 91 carries. The Sophomore QB set a Mid-American Conference record by completing 71.2 percent of his passes that season. Toledo would finish 8-4 that season, going 6-2 in the MAC.

The following season, Gradkowski's junior year, was another successful year for the Rockets. He managed to lead Toledo to a conference championship, passing for 3,500 yards and rushing for 191 yards with 36 total touchdowns. To add more to this impressive season Gradkowski was named the MVP of the MAC championship game where the beat Miami (OH) 35-27. The Rockets were selected to play in the 2004 Motor City Bowl, which they lost 39-10 to the UConn Huskies. It was tough game for Gradkowski how struggled, going 6-12 for 43 yards while playing with a broken hand and separated shoulder. With injuries and a blowout lose in the bowl game the season was still a success for both the team and Bruce even though it ended on a sour note.

Going into his final season with Toledo a lot was expected out of the Rockets and Gradkowski helped them deliver. Even though Bruce would have the lowest completion percentage of his career at 62.3, he still passed for 2,400 yards and 29 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. Again he would contribute to the team in the ground game as well rushing for 291 yards and four touchdowns on 61 carries. Finishing the regular season 8-3, Toledo was selected to play in the GMAC Bowl against UTEP in Mobile, Alabama. Gradkowski went 18-30 for 298 yards and 5 touchdowns in his final game with the Rockets and was named the game MVP. In the 2006 NFL draft he was selected in the 6th round with the 194th pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brucei is still playing in the NFL as a backup for the Steelers, and has appeared in 36 games in his career.

In three years as a starter the Rockets never lost more than 4 games with Gradkowski under center. His skill on the field along with his leadership and passion for the game are what make him an all time great for Toledo. Over his career he passed for 9225 yards and 85 touchdowns. Gradkowski had a completion percentage of 68.2 to go with his 157.4 passer rating, while also rushing for 1018 yards and 14 touchdowns. Winning the game MVP in the 2004 MAC championship and the 2005 GMAC Bowl just add more honors to his legacy. The way he performed on the field and carried himself off it is what makes Bruce Gradkowski a top rocket.

This post was submitted by one of our esteemed readers and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or thoughts of Hustle Belt or SB Nation.