Eric Gray, Tennessee (Transferring to Oklahoma) RB

Games Watched: Florida, Georgia

Pros:

  • Great play speed with good speed/agility
  • Accelerates to his top speed incredibly fast
  • Great burst
  • Contorts his body to fit through smaller holes
  • Changes directions very well
  • Phenomenal receiver with great route running and hands
  • Has the capability to take snaps from the slot
  • Willing to help out as a blocker and has good technique

Cons:

  • Bad contact balance, will still go down on weaker tackle attempts
  • Doesn’t reduce tackling surface to make tackles tougher for defenders
  • Does not have the power to push ahead for extra yards
  • Vision is lacking, frequently makes the wrong read and decision
  • Has no patience and barges immediately into the middle too often
  • Strength as a blocker is somewhat lacking

Summary: Eric Gray is a guy that I would rarely want to carry the ball for my team. With that being said however, he still provides immense value in the receiving game because he’s one of the only RBs in college who can consistently run receiver-like routes to get open and who also has great hands to catch away from his body. He’s also a good blocker. While overall he’s not great he has a clear niche.

Hopeful Improvements: Having more patience and better vision might help but that isn’t usually gained in one season. At this point Gray needs to really accept that his niche is going to be as a 3rd down back. He’s transferring to Oklahoma and if improves his anchor as a blocker would help with that while keeping the same receiving ability and shiftiness I think he’ll move up a little.

Grade: My grade for him right now is a 5th round pick. He is a great 3rd down back but doesn’t have the skills to be anything more barring significant improvements in tough to improve areas.