If there’s one thing that Bridgeport High School senior Michael Gray proved this year on the football field is that if he sets his mind to something, he’s going to get the job done. That, of course, may bode well for one local college football team and perhaps the future of law enforcement.

 

This afternoon at Bridgeport High School, Gray signed an official letter of intent to play football this year at Fairmont State University. And the Class AA first team All-State defensive lineman hopes to dominate there and walk away with a degree that will help him tackle law breakers as well.

 

“Along with the proximity to home, the reputable criminal justice program they have there is something I want to become part of,” said Gray on why he decided to become a Falcon. “My goal is to become a U.S. Marshal or be part of the DEA.”

 

For anyone that thinks that’s pie in the sky, consider where Gray came from to not only become an All-State player, but become a person targeted by FSU of the highly successful Mountain East Conference. Prior to his senior season, Gray was looked at as a running back and, due to perhaps the most depth ever at the position, would have been a reserve at best.

 

Because of that, Gray decided to do something else. He asked Coach Josh Nicewarner for a chance to play defensive line because he knew the Indians needed players there. The move, as history and a second straight Class AA title tells us, worked out quite well.

 

“The biggest thing coming into his senior year is that he wanted to make an impact on the field and he absolutely took it upon himself to make an impact. He looked at how things were in the past and how they would likely be in the future and decided that a switch to the defensive line was in his best interest,” said Nicewarner. “Certainly for us, it worked out.”

 

The numbers back that up. Despite playing as a lineman, Gray was among the team leaders in tackles for one of the best defensive teams – if not the best – in all of Class AA. 

 

Want proof?

 

Gray was fourth on the team with 57 tackles, which was just five away from leading the squad. Incredibly, he led the team with 19 tackles for loss that resulted in 98.8 yards in losses for the opposition. He also shared the team lead with 5.5 sacks and for good measure forced three fumbles and recovered one.

 

“Making the move to the line is what got me here today,” said Gray. “I was able to adjust and play that position. All I wanted to do was to contribute and I’m happy it’s paying off.”

 

Gray isn’t the first player to switch positions in his senior year in order to find a way their way on to the field and to eventually make a difference. Nicewarner hopes he won’t be the last.

 

“It is why we win and continue to win and are contenders to win because of guys like Mike Gray. They’re willing to take a personal hit and contribute to the team any way they can,” said Nicewarner. “On just about any other year, he’s either a starter or in the main rotation in the backfield. Due to personnel, he just knew he wasn’t going to be. What’s he do? He puts on weight and then goes out and dominates and is a big reason for the season we ended up having.

 

“We take pride in letting kids play in a position, or at least let them try to play in a position, they want to play because we’ve had success that way,” Nicewarner continued. “To be honest, until Mike came up to me I’m not sure that I would have made that move myself, which even speaks higher of what he did for the team this year. He can be proud of what he’s accomplished and this program is proud of what he’s accomplished.”

 

As for what position he’ll play, Gray isn’t sure. He said FSU coaches have told him they’ll look at him on defense and three positions.

 

“They’re talking about playing at a couple of the linebacker positions, but the biggest one they want to give me a look at is the rush end,” said Gray. “That position is just like a defensive end in high school. In that position, they just want you to get to the quarterback.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Michael Gray surrounded by his parents Lesa and Mark, while the back row, from left, are BHS Principal Mark DeFazio, Coach Josh Nicewarner and BHS Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Matt DeMotto. Action photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.