Oklahoma football running back Eric Gray has accepted an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, which all but says he has declared for the 2023 NFL draft. The transfer running back from Tennessee has been supremely productive this season. Gray carried the ball 213 times for 1364 yards, 11 touchdowns, and then added another 33 catches for 229 yards. Gray was named Second-Team All-Big 12 and probably would’ve been on the first team had the Sooners had a better record.
Officially Accepted! RB Eric Gray @1ericgray from @OU_Football is headed to the 2023 Senior Bowl #OUDNA #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️@JimNagy_SB @PaniniAmerica #RatedRookie pic.twitter.com/UC3uQDRgcr
— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) November 30, 2022
Eric Gray has been one of the leaders of the team as well, drawing high praise from OU offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, and head coach Brent Venables. The Sooner tailback has made highlight-reel plays all season long and has the most rushing yards of any back since Samaje Perine in 2014. He was the bell cow and the most reliable player for the Sooner offense all season long.
Technically speaking, Eric Gray has not technically declared for the NFL draft, but accepting the Senior Bowl invite is the same. Still, he would have a couple of years remaining if he chose to stay. There is also no word yet on what Gray is thinking about doing for the bowl game, and Oklahoma has yet to learn who they will be playing.
Assuming Gray does choose to go pro, he is expected to go sometime between rounds three and rounds four of the April draft. He has qualities NFL teams love to see, as he has upped his game significantly as a pass protector and is a quick and decisive runner who is exceptionally physical for a back of his size. He can also be utilized as a pass catcher out of the backfield.