Speed and patienceThe son of a former Texas Tech All-American running back James Gray, Johnathan is blessed with 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash, a tremendous burst and best of all, Buchanan said, an ability to see and read blocks.
"His biggest attributes are his speed and patience," Buchanan said. "He sets up blocks beautifully and then accelerates just at the right time. He can drive and juke with the best of them but that doesn't always work against bigger and talented kids. He's so effective against better competition because he has such great vision and knows just when to cut."
Johnathan Gray needs to average 321
yards per game to become Texas' career
rushing leader.
Photo by Jim Redman
All those things and ability to catch and block is why MaxPreps/CBS Sports recruiting expert Tom Lemming ranks Gray the
top running back in the Class of 2012 and No. 8 overall.
"He's a three-ring circus," Lemming said. "He can run, catch and block. He's an explosive ball player with great vision."
CBS recruiting expert Bryan Fischer saw Gray in person for the first time at Nike's "The Opening" showcase last July in Oregon. Amongst many of the most talented backs in the country, Fischer said Gray stood out.
"I know he can run but I wanted to see how complete a back he was by catching the ball," Fischer said. "He answered all my questions, exploded out of the backfield, soft hands, runs sharp routes. Love his game."
{VIDEO_fb09896c-0864-4987-9b24-ae20f5d973f4,floatRightWithBar}And by all accounts, Gray loves the game.
His answers to narrow questions are large in scope. Like reading blocks on the field, his vision is wide.
* What's his favorite aspect of the game?
"Everything," he said. "Putting on your pads. Knowing you're going head-to-head against a good team. Going to war and playing your heart out."
* His favorite memory?
"Winning back-to-back state titles. That doesn't happen often in this state. Texans love their high school football. And I love playing high school football in Texas under the lights."
* His goals in 2012?
"Getting bigger, faster and stronger and helping my team win another state championship. And getting prepared for college."
* What about being a target, both individually – he's dealt with that his whole life considering his dad's fame – and as a team.
"I think it's fun to have that target," Gray said. "It just pushes our team to get better. As far as my dad goes, that's just a part of fame. You just take it and run and be humble."
