Collinsville all-purpose player Robert Gray signed to play football with Jacksonville State on Wednesday. Pictured from left is Gray, Collinsville football coach Alan Beckett, and Gray's mother Tangela.
His mother, Tangela, recalls her son throwing a football around the house at a very young age, and she could tell he was serious about playing the game.
On Wednesday morning, Gray’s dream came true when he signed a letter of intent to play football at Jacksonville State University.
“It’s exciting,” Gray said just a few moments after signing. “I’ve been dreaming of this day for a long time, and it’s coming true. There’s a lot of athletes that don’t get a chance to make it to the next level. I’ve got that chance. I’m going to take advantage of it. I’m going to play as hard as I can play when I get there.”
The 5-foot-11, 200 pound Gray played multiple positions for Collinsville throughout his career. Last season, he mainly played at running back, quarterback and linebacker.
Gray guided the Panthers to a 6-5 mark and the school’s first playoff berth in seven years in 2008. He rushed for 1,147 yards on 147 carries and scored 18 touchdowns last season. He also completed 57 of 99 passes for 710 yards and eight touchdowns.
On defense, Gray led the Panthers with 65 tackles.
Gray said JSU coaches plan to utilize his talent at cornerback, but “more than likely I’ll redshirt my first year.”
“Coming from high school and having to play a lot of different positions helps me out a lot,” said Gray, who plans to major in criminal justice. “It should help me out even more at the collegiate level.”
Collinsville coach Alan Beckett said the Gamecocks were Gray’s choice all the way. He said Vanderbilt made a late push for Gray, but Gray wanted to stay close to home.
“Early on, he had several places in interested in him, but he knew that’s what he wanted,” Beckett said. “I’m as proud as a parent would be. He’s a great person, and I very much want to see him succeed on the field and I want that degree (for him). It’s my alma mater, and I think they’re doing great things with Coach (Jack) Crowe. It will be exciting to see him and follow him there.
“It’ll be tough to see him go, but we’re excited and happy for the next phase of Robert Gray’s career.”
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