Grays recruitment exploding

When Class of 2017 Lawrenceville (Ga.) Central Gwinnett offensive lineman Tony Gray got invited to visit Florida personally by a Gators assistant coach late last week, he had a tough decision to make. Gray had already registered for the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour stop in the Atlanta area and didn't want to miss the camp.

After talking it over with his high school coach, Todd Wofford, Gray decided to stick with his plans and attended the camp at Lambert High School.

The decision turned out to be a good one for Gray, especially after he walked away with offensive line MVP honors.

Just hours after the camp concluded, Gray added offers from Tennessee and Kentucky. Georgia followed with an offer on Monday before the Gators pulled the trigger and offered Tuesday morning.

"It's been an excellent experience," the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Gray said. "I just had to take the opportunity to show people what I could do and I went out there and performed like I thought I could."

The highlight of Gray's day came when he battled with Class of 2016 five-star defensive end Marlon Davidson, the No. 2 overall player in the country. Gray held his own, and even stood nose-to-nose with Davidson as the two exchanged verbal barbs.

"I never knew who Marlon was until after I went against him," Gray said. "We did a little talking but we left it on good terms. We are both competitors. He came and dapped me up later and started talking to me because he knows I'm a good upcoming guy. We were talking and exchanging words but that's just part of competing."

Shortly after he got home from the camp, Gray heard from Wofford, who delivered the news of the first two offers.

"That was a big surprise but definitely a blessing," Gray said. "When I found out I couldn't believe it, I was like, 'Are you for real?' but he showed me what they said and I was happy."

Wofford said he has seen Gray's potential in person and is thrilled to see the recognition Gray has earned with hard work behind the scenes.

"Tony is a kid that just loves the game as much as anyone I've ever coached," Wofford said. "He takes competition very seriously and wanted to use the camp to prove that he could be a big-time player. He realizes he is still young and has a lot to learn but it's great to coach a kid that is as humble and coachable as he is. He is taking the offers in stride and says he is more focused on spring practice coming up."

Before he gets back to practice, Gray is exploring his options on the recruiting trail. He visited Tennessee last week and said he came away impressed.

"They gave me a great feeling while I was there," Gray said. "I really felt like I was at home. It was a great environment, all the people there were friendly and nice. Ever since then I have been thinking that Tennessee would be a good school for me and now that they've offered that's an option."

If the first two offers were a surprise, the third one, courtesy of Georgia, was a complete shocker to Gray.

"That's a big offer for me because I knew Georgia was interested," Gray said. "Then they called my coach and offered me now they want me to come up and visit. I've been there before with (2016 Rivals100 offensive tackle) E.J. Price but they were showing him all the love and I was just there to see things."

Now Gray has plans to be back in Athens soon so he can get the star treatment.

"They want to see me on campus this Saturday so I'm planning on being there," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting back up there."

As a Georgia native, Gray admitted that he grew up a fan of the 'Dawgs, but said he plans on taking his time and enjoying the recruiting process, especially with things happening so quickly.

"I grew up in Georgia so I grew up watching Georgia and liking them," Gray said. "I love Georgia but I'm thankful for all the offers I've received and I'm just staying open to all the schools that are recruiting me right now."

According to Wofford, Gray's run of offers is likely only starting, with schools such as Alabama and Florida State also showing interest.

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