Logan Gray has been chasing approval since his first day in Athens.

The sophomore backup quarterback has heard all the naysayers discarding him because of size and passing skills.

He’s ready to prove he’s an SEC quarterback. Coach Mark Richt is ready to give him more time on the field to prove it.

“Right now you can count on at least a series with Logan, more than just a situation like red zone or something like that,” Richt said. “We want to give him a chance to play at least one series.”

Gray’s been labeled a mobile quarterback, which can read also as non-passer. But Gray says he’s excited to prove he’s a complete player, not just a change-of-pace, or running specialist.

“I want to prove that I’m capable of making plays and getting in there in situations for more than just one play, putting together a drive or whatever it may be. I think also being kind of a running quarterback, a lot of people, especially with throwing the ball, feel like I’ve always been talking about proving myself and stuff.”

With criticism of starter Joe Cox simmering, many fans want to see a different quarterback play in preparation of next season. Some have skipped over Gray, pegging freshman Aaron Murray as the man for next year – just another case where Gray has been doubted.

“I think Aaron is going to be a real good player and the coaches are going to do what’s best for the team,” he said. “I think we’re just trying to do what’s best right now. I can only worry about myself, not who’s behind me. I’m just focused on me and I don’t even pay attention to all the other stuff. I’m just paying attention to what I can control and focus on that.”

Richt says Cox is the starter. Murray will be redshirted this season. That leaves Gray in the middle.

Gray had over 20 offers to play football in college. Oklahoma and Florida were among those Georgia beat out.

But since arriving, Gray has been a question mark behind center, not because of poor play, but a lack of opportunity. His athleticism got him on the field to return punts and cover kicks. But the time spent working on special teams took away from quarterback meetings.

In preseason practice, coaches talked about using Gray to confuse defense. He’s mobility could give a different look, another option.

Gray’s not ashamed of his running ability. But that’s the only skill the coaches have taken advantage of this season. He’s been inserted in games still close only to run the ball and not very often.

In mop-up duty Gray has thrown only seven passes, completing one. Against Florida he threw an interception returned for a touchdown.

“I talked to him after the game and said, ‘Look, I’m not going to hold that against you, put in a bad situation, backed up against a very good defense,’” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “I said it was something to learn from and to take advantage of for future opportunities because he might have some in the near future.”

Tennessee Tech will be his first opportunity to play a full series with the game still competitive. Despite the lesser opponent, Gray’s guaranteed drive is another chance to prove, to find an identity.

“I feel like if he gets the chance he’ll take advantage,” said receiver Rantavious Wooten. “Anything can happen.”

He knows he’ll be in for more than one play. He knows he won’t just run the ball and come back to the sideline. He’ll have to manage the game, read the defense and make calls.

“It will probably be in the first half,” Bobo said. “We haven’t nailed down precisely what series it’s going to be, but we’ll get him in there, change up some things and get him some work.”

Gray says he’s not trying to do too much. He can’t prove everything in one series. But he can show he is ready to command, take charge and lead. And a few completed passes would help quiet the naysayers.

“I definitely want to make the most of it,” he said.