Yea, because he will be one of the SEC's top WRs next season.
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Beating Bama next year is a pipe dream. We will have a shot against LSU. Gray could have a very solid season if our OL holds up. Our season will be decided on how well our OL plays and if our D can take a step forward or about 20 steps forward. If our OL holds up Gray probably has a very good year. If they don't we will be an average team at best.
He was 18th in SEC in receptions- with only 3 Sr's above him. Now a couple of JR's could declare- but Gray won't be a top 10 returning WR in receptions- and there were some really talented Freshmen this past year plus more coming into the league.
Gray is in no way, shape, or form a Top 10 SEC WR
According to the SEC website he was 5th in yard per catch and 8th in TDs. Receptions doesn't equal production IMO. He has a legitimate shot to finish in the top 10 in several categories. Possibly not in receptions but I don't think that is the end all be all stat for receivers. I would rather see yds and TDs over a bunch of catches.
The SEC is going to be loaded at WR and QB next year after a transition year in 2016
Only 7 of the top 27 pass catchers In the SEC were Sr's and plenty of Freshmen played
QB's like Eason, Lock, Allen, Hurts, Bentley, plus Auburn's transfer are going to make the SEC an offensive league next year. Hell, even Kentucky and Vandy return their QB's. 10 of the SEC's top 13 passers return- plus Auburn gets a damn good transfer
I believe he'll be a better than top 10 sec receiver next year. Some of his lack of production is Fitz still growing into his passing role IMO.
Donald Gray isn't dynamic enough at this point to be a top SEC guy. He makes great plays but still hasn't settled into a role with us.
And a large part of the lack of receptions if the fact that Fred Ross a legit top 5 receiver and NFL prospect had 68 receptions good for 2nd in the league. Most of the guys you are looking at are already their teams #1 target. Gray was 5th in yds per reception last year which IMO is a more meaningful stat than receptions. He caught 39 balls for 691yds that tells me he is a pretty solid deep threat. And without a doubt one of the top #2 receivers on any team. There is no reason he won't have a legitimate shot to finish in the top ten in several categories.
Let's also don't forget we have to replace 3 starters on the OL- including our Center