One-on-One with Gatorade Player of the Year and Texas Commit Jonathan Gray

Aledo (TX) RB Johnathan Gray was recently named the Gatorade National Player of the Year for 2011.

If you've followed recruiting this cycle then you know Gray is among the top overall prospects in the nation. The Texas commit is the No.1 RB on most boards.

Gatorade has been awarding this honor since 1985 and the prestige of this award rivals that of winning the Heisman in high school.  Notable past winners include Emmitt Smith, Peyton Manning, Joe Mauer, Matt Barkley, Robert Smith, Terry Kirby and Tim Couch. 

I was afforded the opportunity by Gatorade to have an exclusive one-on-one interview with Gray this morning. We spoke on an array of subjects, from winning the award to recruiting for Texas to his long-term goals.

Congrats, Johnathan. What does it mean to you to win the Gatorade National Player of the Year award?

It's a real big honor and blessing from God. I couldn't do this without my teammates and my family. I'm so focused on team goals that I wasn't even thinking about it.

Were there any other players around the country that you felt were deserving, to which it surprised you when you got the news you won?

There were a lot of great finalists out there. But with me being so focused on my own team and doing what we had to to win, it really didn't cross my mind.

Any added pressure now that you're the Player of the Year?

No (laughs). It's great, but I know I always have to stay hungry and motivated to work hard at all times.

Are you a big Gatorade fan?

Yeah, I am. It quenches my thirst. My favorite flavor has to be strawberry.

Are you familiar with the past winners of the award and the prestigious company you're in?

Yeah, this is a huge honor for me to be with them in their company. It really makes me want to work that much harder and stay among them. Only time will tell.

Your career numbers are insane. How have you been so productive and durable?

Nutrition and taking care of my body. I treat my body good, but it's the hardest part. My dad is a huge help with that and told me that's key. I take ice baths after practice to rejuvenate my body. 

What are your short-term goals between now and National Signing Day?

I got the Under Armour game coming up next month. Just getting ready for college by mentally and physically preparing myself.

There was a report that you're trying to help lure Dorial Green-Beckham to Texas. Is that true and are you openly helping recruit for Texas?

Really, Dorial is a great guy, he's always smiling. Seemed like he was having a good time and liked his time at Texas. I just told him Texas is a good place and it prepares you for life. I'm having fun meeting a lot of the top-ranked players.

How do you feel about playing with Malcolm Brown? (2011 Texas signee, true freshman RB starter)

He's great, him and Joe Bergeron, those two freshman RBs are just great and great for the offense. I really want to surround myself with great talent and great people. I can't wait to play with him because he's a great guy and I love his work ethic. It's going to push me.

I've compared you to LaDainian Tomlinson many times. Who do you feel you compare to?

Most of the time, I don't like to compare myself to others, but I do watch LaDainian Tomlinson and Adrian Peterson a lot. How they handle themselves on and off the field, I see what all they've done, and I want to be with those guys.

What is a part of your game you want to work on the most?

Blocking. Blitz pickup, I really need to work on that. The technique of it and the overall skill of blocking. Also getting better and running passing routes.

What do you want to accomplish at Texas?

To get my education and my diploma and graduate from the University of Texas. I want to become a great man.

What are you going to major in?

Business and management. I want to be an accountant and manage my own money (laughs).

Is the NFL a goal of yours?

Yeah it's a goal, but it's not Plan A. It can't be, so it's Plan B. I've got to get my education because anything can happen, an injury, anything. So it's not my first option.

Well, as I said before, I wanted to congratulate you and thank you for taking time out for this interview. I know you're a busy man these days, but you're a great player and sound like an excellent and humble young man.

Thank you, I really appreciate that. This is a big honor and I thank you for talking to me.