MaxPreps Student InternsEvery season, high school football players from around the country commit to play football in college. Many of these players choose to play for high caliber division one programs, with the hope of one day going pro. However, you do not often see players using their talents as an athlete, as a stepping stone towards something greater.
Sycamore (Cincinnati, Ohio) High School junior linebacker Michael Gray is doing just that. Gray is not only one of SHS's top athletes on the field; he is also on top in the classroom. Gray is one of the high schools top students, and hopes to use football to his advantage in the future.
"My plan is to use football as a ticket to a great education," said Gray. Even throughout high school football has opened numerous doors of opportunity for me, so I hope that it will continue to pen doors in my collegiate career." Gray however, is often compared to his older sister, Gabby Gray, who is currently a member of the Northwestern volleyball team, and is often asked if he is going to pursue a big ten scholarship as well.
"My sisters and I have different items on our list of what we want in college," said Gray. Education is important on both sides; however my father played basketball at Cornell, so I wish to continue in his footsteps." Gray has always been known for his talent on the athletic field, and has been known as one of the most determined players on the football field. It his uncharacteristic drive, and focus in the classroom that leave many people to wonder.
"Grades have always been a priority of mine," said Gray. Momma Gray and Poppa gray harp on keeping those grades up. When I do not produce in the classroom, then I get in trouble. At first, football was just a side activity I would play just to have fun with. As I progressed and got older, I realized the countless opportunities it could open, so it became a huge focus of mine."
For somebody with his talent and knowledge base, Gray has a very realistic outlook on college sports. He believes that students with dreams of playing football as a career should realize that that dream is very unrealistic.
"Kids, in my opinion, should look at their priorities starting at a young age," said Gray. From there they need a reality check. The kids need to realize that though they have dreams of making it to the big leagues, they might not make it. What people should realize is that football is a tool to help one progress to their futures, not a future itself."
Gray, who remains a very humble person, has received interest from dozens of colleges around the country; however he remains focused on getting a great education.
"Just about all the Ivy Leagues have been showing interest via email and formal post mail. I have received phone calls as well from Brown and Harvard heavily showing interest. Off from the Ivy interest I have received letters from several D-III and D-II schools as well as some other D-I programs all across the map, such as Maryland, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Virginia, Miami, Vanderbilt, and others.
With all the attention he is receiving, Gray remains focused on his education, and seems to be very excited to play college football.
"Football in college should be a great experience. Not only will I meet all kinds of new people, but I will open a vast window of opportunity in the form of possible jobs, new Friends, mentors and the list goes on and on. I have no doubt it will be a great experience no matter where I go.
