In his three-year varsity career, Johnathan Gray has already earned a number of impressive billings.
Johnathan Gray
Photo by Dan Wozniak
He's been called a top recruit, a state champion, and in 2009, the nation's top sophomore.
Today, Gray can add another title to that list: MaxPreps National Junior of the Year.
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound running back improved on his sophomore totals by rushing for a mind-boggling 3,221 yards and scoring 61 touchdowns in leading Aledo to an undefeated, Class 4A Division II title-winning season.
With a deep playoff run next season, Gray could approach 10,000 career yards and 200 touchdowns.
Gray headlines the 2011 U.S. Air Force All-American team presented by MaxPreps.
First Team OffenseDorial Green-Beckham, WR, 6-6, 220, Hillcrest (Springfield, Mo.)Green-Beckham could go down as one of the top high school receivers ever. With his 78 catches for 1,706 yards and 17 touchdowns this year, he now holds Missouri career records for most receiving yards (4,154) and touchdowns (51).
Josh Weeks, WR, 6-4, 200, Show Low (Ariz.)An All-Arizona pick, Weeks was nearly unstoppable, catching 73 passes for 1,561 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Devante Lacy, WR, 5-8, 165, Grand Prairie (Texas)Lacy earned 5A all-state honors following a prolific season that saw him catch 95 passes for 1,186 yards and 14 scores.
Nick Rudolph, TE, 6-4, 205, Ventura (Calif.)An all-league pick, Rudolph made 42 catches for 719 yards, finding the end zone 15 times for Ventura.
Derek Edinburgh, OL, 6-8, 320, Karr (New Orleans, La.)With his massive frame, Edinburgh opened holes for Karr’s running game and was a 4A all-state pick.
D.J. Humphries, OL, 6-5, 270, Mallard Creek (Charlotte, N.C.)Humphries’ fine play allowed quarterback Marquise Williams to throw for over 3,000 yards for Mallard Creek.
Zach Banner
Photo by Jeff Napier
Zach Banner, OL, 6-9, 310, Lakes (Lakewood, Wash.)Banner is one of the nation’s top juniors and earned 3A all-state recognition.
Kyle Kalis, OL, 6-5, 305, St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio)An All-Ohio pick by JJ Huddle, Kalis was a main reason why the Eagle offensive line dominated teams en route to a Division I state title.
Avery Young, OL, 6-5, 270, Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.)One of the top junior recruits in the country, Young was an all-area pick as a junior.
Maty Mauk, QB, 6-2, 185, Kenton (Ohio)Mauk is on pace to shatter records next year after posting video game stats this season. He completed 372 of 568 passes for 5,670 yards and 69 touchdowns while rushing 164 times for 974 yards and 16 scores.
Jameis Winston, QB, 6-3, 190, Hueytown (Ala.)An ASWA Super 12 pick, Winston completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,342 yards and and 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for 870 yards and 11 scores.
Johnathan Gray, RB, 5-10, 185, Aledo (Texas)Gray’s Texas-sized reputation continues to grow. In 2010, he broke a Lone Star State record with 59 rushing touchdowns to go along with 3,221 yards on 315 attempts.
Rushel Shell
Photo by Tom Lemming
Rushel Shell, RB, 5-11, 215, Hopewell (Aliquippa, Pa.)Shell gained 2,510 yards on 323 carries this season, scoring 32 times. He has 29-consecutive 100-yard games.
Donovan Roberts, RB, 6-1, 210, Norman (Okla.)The Oklahoman’s offensive player of the year, Roberts carried 308 times for 2,002 yards and 32 scores.
Devin Fuller, ATH, 6-0, 180, Northern Valley (Old Tappan, N.J.)Arguably New Jersey’s top player as only a junior, Fuller rushed 191 times for 2,306 yards and 32 touchdowns. He completed 95 of 143 passes for 1,844 yards and 20 more touchdowns as Northern Valley came within seconds of a section title.
Pate DeMuth, K, 5-10, 185, Central Hinds Academy (Raymond, Miss.)DeMuth was an all-state pick in Mississippi’s talent-laden Class 6A.