Andrew Gray of Desert Pines is the Wingstop Player of the Week.
Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 | 2 a.m.
Andrew Gray has done a little bit of everything this season for the Desert Pines High football team.
A junior linebacker and safety on defense, he’s made tackles, sacks and has an interception. On offense, he’s carried the ball and caught passes, and on a trick play completed a touchdown pass. And, if called upon, he’s also the Jaguars' backup kicker.
This week, Gray has another title — Wingstop Player of the Week.
“He’s just so explosive. Absolute stud,” Desert Pines coach Tico Rodriguez said.
Gray is listed at 5-foot-8, 175 pounds, but is as well-put together as any player in Southern Nevada. He’s all muscle, thanks to a 315-pound bench press and 450-pound squat.
“He’s just a physical specimen,” Rodriguez said.
Gray projects as a safety at the next level but has lined up mostly at linebacker this season. When Desert Pines lost its top defender, defensive lineman Anthony Smith, to a knee injury days before the season opener, Gray willingly changed positions.
Some wouldn’t have been capable of learning a new role, but Gray’s versatility and willingness to play all over the field helps make the Jaguars the favorite to win the Division I-A state championship.
“I never shy away from contact,” said Gray, who has 26 tackles in six games and averages 8.3 yards per carry rushing the ball.
Gray could be Desert Pines' starting running back, but the Jaguars have one of the best in the state in junior Isaiah Morris. But he gets plenty of reps in practice on offense, which helps him defensively.
“I have the mentality of a running back,” Gray said. “I know what they are thinking (when carrying the ball).”
Desert Pines plays Sunrise Mountain today in the regular season finale before the playoffs begin. That’s one more chance for Gray to impact the game — on offense or defense, or wherever he’s inserted in the lineup.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
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