Impact Analysis: Nothing Gray about Eric's game
The Vols landed one of the top players in the state of Tennessee on Thursday, as Eric Gray publicly pledged to Jeremy Pruitt and the Vols. The Memphis native, who was once committed to Michigan, had long thought to end up in Knoxville.
Here is a closer look at what his commitment means for Tennessee...
GRAY'S SCOUTING REPORT
"Eric has a phenomenal skill set. He can make people miss in small spaces. He is a powerful runner and he can out run the secondary. Eric is a great practice player too. He works extremely hard and has a great understanding of blocking schemes.I have watched Eric the past four years and he does things every Friday night that makes me say wow."
"I think he will be a starter his freshman year. He is graduating in December and will enroll early. If he stays healthy I think he will play in the league."
— Kevin Locastro, Lausanne Head Coach
HOW DOES HE FIT INTO THE VOLS OFFENSE?
Gray has real speed, so he should fit in very well. Tennessee's need for more speed at both running back and wide receiver was painfully obvious last season. Gray is a dynamic playmaker who changes direction on a dime and has plenty of fuel in the tank. He's the only three-time winner of Mr. Football in the state of Tennessee and set the state's all time touchdown mark late in his senior season.
Ultimately, it will be up to Tennessee's offensive staff to determine how they will use Gray, but he gives you options and that's the best compliment you can give him. He's versatile and space is his friend.
Ty Chandler is a similar back to Gray and he'll be a junior. Outside of him, Tennessee's backfield lacks dynamic players. Gray could also find a niche on special teams with Jeremy Pruitt being less than pleased with his return game last season.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TENNESSEE?
It locks down a tailback in this class and gives you options with Aaron Beasley, who Pruitt said will start at DB. Tennessee could ultimately decide to go after another bigger running back in the 2019 class.