December 22, 2024

Signee Profile: Maleik Gray

In-state prospect Maleik Gray is one of the most dynamic athletes of the class of 2017.

Photo by Sumner Gilliam

A Pride of the Southland member falls in line before the Vols play Kentucky on Nov. 12, 2016.

Biography

In-state prospect Maleik Gray is from LaVergne, where he attended LaVergne High School. He stands around 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs close to 190 pounds. Gray played against some of the toughest competition in the state in teams like Oakland, Blackman and other mid-state teams. He is an elite athlete who most recruiting services expect to end up playing safety at the collegiate level and beyond.

Rankings

247Sports: No. 15 safety, No. 140 overall player in the class of 2017

Rivals: No. 11 safety, No. 86 overall player in the class of 2017

ESPN: No. 7 outside linebacker, No. 90 overall player in the class of 2017

Offers

Gray had offers from many of the elite schools in the nation: Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Michigan, LSU and Ohio State have all extended an offer, among others.

Film Review

Maleik Gray’s status as one of the top athletes in the class of 2017 is unquestioned. His defensive tenacity and nose for the ball are unteachable. What really stands out about Gray’s athleticism is his ability to use it to harass whomever is in his way. His long strides allow him to sidestep potential blockers and quickly eliminate distances between himself and ball carriers. Although he spent much of his high school career at outside linebacker, most scouts project Gray to be a college safety. His 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame should benefit the position as he puts on more muscle over the next few years.

Edited by David Bradford

Featured image by Sumner Gilliam

Nathan is a junior at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. He spends most of his free time eating meaningless foods and watching sports. If you wish to contact Nathan, you can email him at wodom3@vols.utk.edu or find him on Twitter, @NathanOdom11.