Former Vols standout named as an NFL breakout candidate in 2023
A former Tennessee Vols standout was named this week as an NFL breakout candidate in 2023. Former Vols running back Eric Gray, who transferred to Oklahoma after the 2020 season, was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. Gray will join his former Tennessee teammate, wide receiver […]
A former Tennessee Vols standout was named this week as an NFL breakout candidate in 2023.
Former Vols running back Eric Gray, who transferred to Oklahoma after the 2020 season, was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
Gray will join his former Tennessee teammate, wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, with the Giants.
On Wednesday, Pro Football Network named Gray as one of the Giants' top breakout candidates this season.
Part of the reason is because Gray should benefit this summer from superstar running back Saquon Barkley's absence (Barkley has yet to sign his franchise tag as he continues to hope for a new contract from New York).
From Pro Football Network: Because star running back Barkley hasn’t signed his franchise tag, he won’t be able to attend OTAs. That opens a massive door for rookie Eric Gray, who was drafted in the fifth round out of Oklahoma. The 207-pounder isn’t much of a big-play threat, but he can gain every yard available to him thanks to his short-area burst and smooth cuts that create space away from defenders.
Gray showed plenty of explosiveness during his time at Tennessee. In fact, the Memphis native has the second-longest rush ever by a Vol (94 yards against Vanderbilt in 2019). He also has the fifth-best game by a Tennessee running back (246 rushing yards against Vanderbilt in 2019).
Gray has all the tools to be a starting NFL running back — he just needs the opportunity. Depending on how things work out with Barkley this summer, Gray could receive that opportunity as soon as this fall.
Featured image via USA TODAY Sports
