Southfield 2018 WR Brandon Gray having early success

As of today, six freshmen football players in the state of Michigan now hold at least one Division I offer. But Southfield High wide receiver, Brandon Gray, became the first back on April 16, when Bowling Green came calling. The 6-5, 175-pounder is up to three now, and is looking to add more.

"It feels great to have the offers I have," Gray said. "But there's more opportunity ahead of myself, and I know I have to stay focused."

Gray transferred from powerhouse, Detroit Cass Tech, after his family moved to Southfield, and didn't see much playing time with the Technicians. But when he did, Gray made the most of it, and showed promise with his tremendous size, and speed, prompting an early from the Falcons.

"I was a bit surprised by my first offer, but I knew it was coming," said Gray. "I knew I was working hard, and earning it, and it felt great to receive an offer my freshman year.

"Then when the other two came in, it made me realize that hard work actually pays off, and you have to be dedicated."

Ohio and Akron have also extended offers to Gray, and having three Mid-American Conference (MAC) offers as a freshman isn't bad. Gray will ultimately receive bigger offers as he grows, and his game develops. He has already been in talks with some Big Ten schools, and is planning out his summer camp/visit schedule.

"I've been hearing from Ball State, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Cincinnati a lot," Gray said. "And I'm looking to hear from some more Big Ten schools. I will be at Sound Mind Sound Body, and I talked to a couple of coaches, and they wanted me to come to their camps. I know I want to go to Ohio State's camp for sure."

To Gray, his early success means the world to him, but then you have others who think that offering kids his age might not be the best thing to do. Many think that the trend only creates monsters at an early age, but Gray disagrees. He said he has a great support system, and assures that won't happen to him.

"I've been taking my early success pretty well," said Gray. My friends and family are supporting me, and reminding me to stay on task, and to keep doing what I'm doing.

"I think younger kids my age getting offers is important. Kids will always remember their first offer."

Southfield ironically has their first game against Gray's former team, Cass Tech, on August 28 at Wayne State. He still has a lot of peers at Cass Tech, and is obviously excited about playing against them.

"I can't wait for that day," Gray said.