TN Tackling Machine

Gray Remains Under the Radar

The state of Tennessee has been able to produce several Division 1 prospects over the past couple of years and for the class of 2013 the Volunteer state looks to produce even more than ever.

One of the players that is still sitting under the radar is Lexington High School LB/FB A.J. Gray. Coming from a small town in West Tennessee, Gray has been on a winning football program over the last three years but for the past two his team has come up short in the playoffs after having exceptional regualr seasons.

His goal going into his senior year is to make sure not only himself but also his teammates are fully prepared to take their team all the way to their ultimate goal of winning a state title.

“You have no idea how much I am wanting to get back on the field and erase all the mistakes we made last year and make sure they do not happen this time around,” said Gray. “I am so focused and well conditioned for my senior year and I plan to lead my team all the way.”

Gray’s teams over the past two years have a combined record of 21-2 with those only losses coming in the playoffs. His teams have been ultra competitive and a tough out for whoever they face. Gray is the leader and stalwart of his team and the person the rest of team looks up to.

He is an undersized prospect that doesnt let his 5’11 215 lb size excuse him from being a tackling machine on the defensive side of the ball. Gray is a tough minded, physical and intelligent young man that works harder than most and always brings his 100% effort to field each time he steps out there.

“I love the game of football and I look forward to each time I am given the opportunity to play with my football brothers,” said Gray. “I give no excuses for any of my faults. I play with what God gave me and I use everything in my arsenal to get the job done.

“I play with wreckless abandonment and the attitude that no one will stand between me and the ball. I use my instincts and intelligence to read plays and my motor and desire to chase downt the ball. I may be undersized but my heart and love for the game will always be with me with I strap on those pads.”

When it comes to his college recruitment Gray has yet to see his first college offer come through, but he is remaining patient and hitting the camp scene looking to make impressions. So far he has camped at Missoui and Vanderbilt with the plans to make several other stops throughout the month of July.

“I enjoyed my camps at both Missouri and Vanderbilt and I like both those coaching staffs a lot,” said Gray. “ I have plans to camp at MTSU, Mississippi St and UT Martin in July. I am hoping to make another camp at some time but I am not sure who that will be.”

“My recruitment has been ok so far. I haven’t received that first offer yet but thats cool because I have some time to gain more attention with my senior year and play on the field. I don’t mind proving my talents to anyone and if I have to do that again this year then that is fine with me.”

2011 Stats: 83 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 7 sacks and 3 forced fumbles

Schools Interested: Missouri, Mississippi St, MTSU, Tennessee Tech, UT Martin, Vanderbilt and Western Kentucky.

*A.J. Gray Highlights*

Written by: Chris Smith