AUSTIN, Texas - - Five-star running back Johnathan Gray (Aledo, Texas, Aledo) has sent in his letter of intent to Texas.
Gray (5-foot-10, 205 pounds) is the No. 1 running back and No. 2 player in the ESPNU 150, and the highest-rated player in Texas’ class.
He ended his career with 10,908 yards and a national-record 205 touchdowns. Gray, whose father, James Gray, is Texas Tech’s second all-time leading rusher, helped Aledo win three straight Class 4A Division II state titles. He’s also twice been named Mr. Football USA and Gatorade Player of the Year.
Gray has been committed to Texas since April 22, 2011. He chose the Longhorns over offers from Auburn, Arkansas, Colorado, Baylor, Texas A&M, TCU and Texas Tech.
Gray is the only running back committed in this class.
Scouts take: “One of the more productive backs we have seen n recent classes. Gray is a TD machine combining load-back qualities with great top-end speed. Has a supreme blend of size and speed…Has all the physical traits you look for in a college back and should continue that production if he lands in a college system that feeds him the rock in a rock in a downhill scheme and remains healthy.”
Importance to class: Maybe you’ve heard of this guy before. No? Well he finished his career as one of high school football’s all-time great players, set more records than should be allowed and has more awards than Kim Kardashian has magazine covers. He’s the prized recruit of Texas’ class, and one that will add more depth to an already loaded backfield with Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron. Gray was a must-get for Texas, and it got him.
How soon can he make an impact? Right away. Sure Brown and Bergeron have a year under their belts, but there shouldn’t be any reason why someone with Grays abilities doesn’t find his way on the field. He can do it all. The Longhorns need someone to fill Fozzy Whittaker’s role in the wildcat formation and Gray would be a perfect fit. He’s also exceptional at catching the ball out of the backfield.
Gray on signing with Texas: “I definitely can’t wait to get down there and play with all of the commits that have committed for 2012. We are all excited to play. There are high expectations but I think we can live up to them. We are going in with the mindset of getting better, win some national championships and get the program back to where it should be.”