Grant Gregory, USF's top backup quarterback for the past two seasons, has officially started classes at Kansas State and will compete for the Wildcats' starting quarterback job this fall after being granted a waiver to allow him immediate eligibility this fall.

"He has an opportunity here," coach Bill Snyder said by phone Wednesday. "He's a very, very good quarterback, one who just played behind a truly exceptional quarterback down there the last three years."

Gregory's career numbers at USF -- 27-of-50 for 384 yards and four touchdowns -- read more like a strong Saturday in the pass-happy Big 12, but he has the experience of five college football seasons, which is much more than the two redshirt freshmen he'll be competing with. His ability to run well in additional to his passing skills makes him ideally suited for Kansas State's offense.

"I have a close relationship with Jim Leavitt, and Grant was highly recommended to me," Snyder said. "Jim was all in favor of it. Jim has been here before and knows exactly what we do (on offense). Grant is focus, committed and dedicated. He has the complete package."

Gregory, who is expected to wear No. 6 for the Wildcats, was granted a sixth year of eligibility this spring, citing injuries that kept him from playing in 2004 and most of the 2007 season. Kansas State lost junior Josh Freeman to the NFL Draft, where he was picked by the Bucs in the first round.