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Notre Dame Football Recruiting

2019 DB Gray Looking Forward to First Notre Dame Experience

June 23, 2017
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Notre Dame has recruited well in the Charlotte area, and the 2019 Charlotte Christian (N.C.) defensive back Jeremiah Gray has his eye on the Irish. The 6-foot-1, 198-pounder will get his first look at Notre Dame this weekend.

“I am excited to visit Notre Dame and see everything,” Gray told Irish Sports Daily. “I know the education is really good and the football prestige is insane. When you think of college football, Notre Dame is one of the schools that comes to mind. The inside stuff, I don’t know much about them yet.”

If the Notre Dame staff ramps up the heat on Gray, they might have a card up their sleeve as Charlotte Christian is the alma mater of former Irish safety and current Indianapolis Colt, Matthias Farley.

“I have talked to him a few times,” said Gray. “He loved the school and the environment. He liked the education too. He told me he loved playing at such a prestigious school like Notre Dame.”

Gray holds early offers from BYU, East Carolina, Penn State, Purdue, South Carolina, and Wake Forest. The North Carolina native has been on the road this summer to get in front of more coaching staffs and to showcase his ability on the field.

“I have camped at Duke, South Carolina, and Virginia Tech,” stated Gray. “I will be back up to Penn State in July.” 

The offer from the Nittany Lions was a big one, but the visit last fall was just as powerful for Gray.

“Penn State offered me in October of last year,” explained Gray. “I like the environment and character of the coaches. I’ve just been impressed with how they are recruiting me, and I am excited with what they bring to the table.” 

Gray believes his ball skills and ability to intercept the quarterback is his biggest strength. Those chances to attack the ball may increase in the fall as Gray has gotten faster in the offseason.

“During the season, my 40 was like a 4.8, but at the Duke camp, I ran a 4.64,” Gray said. “The speed work I have done this offseason has been crucial to my game. I had a good season, but I wasn’t running as fast as I am now. I am looking forward to playing at a faster level this year.”

Despite his recruiting process starting up, Gray already has a good idea of what he is looking for in a future program. 

“I know the main thing is education,” he stated. “I would say the second thing is the environment of the football program. You can tell if they are a winning program based on the environment alone.

“When I went to Penn State, I got to watch practice, and I was impressed with how hype it was and how the guys were encouraging each other.”

The positive environment of Penn State and other programs has apparently made a positive impact on Gray, but the negative environments have also opened his eyes. 

“Some schools don’t even talk about education,” said Gray. “For me, that’s going to be the number one priority because you can’t bank off going to the NFL.

“It’s also good to be competitive in practice, but if it’s to a point where you’re not encouraging your teammates and position group. I don’t mess with that stuff.” 


 
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