New number. New year.
New Christian Gray?
That’s how it’s supposed to go, right?
Notre Dame’s sophomore cornerback isn’t changing who he is, but he did change his jersey.
Gray switched to No. 6 this season, and the decision was based on family and a reminder to have fun.
“I feel like it represents fun,” stated Gray. “Just having fun with the game, having love for this game and plus it just reminds me of my grandma a little bit. She always told me that her favorite number was 6. She was always like, ‘Hey, pick six. You pick six,’ so she always called me pick six when I was in high school, so it just reminds me of her.”
Fun has been the name of the game for Gray over the last few months as the sting of the National Title game still lingers.
The St. Louis native admits he still watches the play against Jeremiah Smith from time to time, as it serves as a motivator.
"I do watch it,” Gray explained. “I watch it by myself sometimes. I should have prevented him from getting on my toes. I was trying to protect my leverage. All I can say is I should have opened up and turned as quick as possible."
It’s not that Gray or the program is dwelling on the moment, but it’s a reminder they didn’t finish the job and that they can return to the biggest stage in college football.
"It's a big motivator for sure,” said Gray. “But then again, it's also not the end of the world. It was a big game and emotional for everybody. It's a huge motivator, though, to be better and strive for better. That play taught me what this game is. It's one play, reload and make yourself better."
Gray saw the articles, memes and videos. It’s impossible not to see in today’s Social Media world. Yet, he’s moved on and credits his faith for helping him learn from it.
“In my headspace, I started to think one catch won't kill you,” Gray explained. “One catch won't destroy who you are, who God meant you to be and so that's what I really took from it. My church helped me. We say it in the Bible. When something bad happens, God will fill that back up with the Holy Spirit. I just started thinking that in my head on the field and so I just adopted that in my headspace.”
Gray’s growth off the field has led to the development of his game on the field. Notre Dame defensive coordinator Chris Ash has challenged the secondary to be better at zone defense and while it might have taken some time to adjust, Gray is confident in where the defense is at coming out of camp.
“I feel comfortable with his calls and the plays,” Gray said. “We're comfortable now having learned everything. Coach Ash has done a great job teaching us everything, teaching us new techniques and new plays. It’s been great.”
That doesn’t mean Notre Dame is going away from its headache-causing man defense, which is something Gray also improved at over the last six months.
"I feel like I made the most strides in my press coverage,” stated Gray. “I definitely will say that. I'm also having a good, consistent base and building good habits. I feel like that's what I've been doing well in."
Secondary coach Mike Mickens has his corners working at both field and boundary spots after injuries tested depth last year. Gray already has experience at both and feels at ease playing in space.
“I had to transition and worry about all the space to the field,” Gray said. “It was a huge transition, but I just put my head down and worked it in as much as I could and it got me to here.
"I feel very confident now. I understand the spacing and the different routes. I feel very comfortable being to the field now."
Gray enters 2025 as one of the nation’s top returning cornerbacks per many preseason lists, but football isn’t the only focus for him this fall. His sister is beginning law school at Notre Dame and it’s clear her presence on campus means the world to Gray.
“She's coming here right now,” said Gray, “She's a big supporter in my life. She's like that friend I never really had. She's my only sibling. My sister is my heart and everything. I'm glad she's here."
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