Mississippi State Football: Donald Gray is Bulldogs’ secret star

Mississippi State football has a secret weapon. Under-the-radar receiving threat Donald Gray is going to make some noise for the Bulldogs in 2017.

Fred Ross was a fixture in the Bulldog offense over the last few seasons. He has since run out of eligibility at Mississippi State. That leaves his 72 receptions, 917 yards and 12 touchdowns up for grabs in 2017. Donald Gray is the next man up. He’s going to have a tremendous season and turn some heads around the country with his speed.

Gray isn’t going to put up gaudy numbers like Christian Kirk or Calvin Ridley, but that’s more so a function of the offense he plays in than his innate ability. Bulldog quarterback Nick Fitzgerald had just one fewer rushing attempt than passing completions in 2016. Defenses are going to be ready for his legs this season. They’re going to make Fitzgerald beat them through the air. His one proven option is Donald Gray.

As Fitzgerald improves as a passer those completions will go up. Gray pulled in 41 catches last season for 709 yards and five touchdowns. His 17.3 yards per reception ranked fourth in the SEC. He’s quick and a viable deep threat made even more deadly by the effectiveness of the Bulldog run-pass option schemes.

A senior, Donald Gray will be one of the vocal leaders of the Bulldogs’ offense in 2017. He’s going to command the huddle and command an increased target share commensurate with his talent and experience.

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Mississippi state had the No. 89 ranked passing offense in the country last year. There’s nowhere to go but up. To get there the Bulldogs are going to have to force feed Donald Gray.