By David Brandt, Clarion Ledger.comEven before Jackson State landed Southern Miss transfer Rodney Gray, wide receiver was arguably the most loaded position on the Tigers' roster.
And now that the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Gray is in the mix? Let's just say quarterback Jimmy Oliver smiles every time a pass play is called.
"You never have to worry about who you're throwing to because they can all catch," Oliver said. "And what's better is that they're all good teammates, so you don't have to worry about somebody getting mad because the others are getting the ball more often."
Gray, a sophomore, is the youngest of Jackson State's top six receivers, which include four seniors and a junior.
A standout at South Panola despite the fact his team rarely threw the football, Gray gave Jackson State a long look during recruiting in 2006 but ultimately decided to go to Southern Miss.
"I'm not upset at (USM) because I appreciated the opportunity they gave me," Gray said. "But I always felt a connection at Jackson State with Coach (Rick) Comegy that I didn't feel anywhere else."
Gray's talent was evident during his freshman season at Southern Miss, where he had 16 receptions for 160 yards.
And through the first two weeks of practice at Jackson State, Gray has been one of the favorite targets of both Oliver and backup Tray Rutland.
A terrific athlete who starred in the 110-meter high hurdles in track his senior year of high school, Gray's tall, lanky frame has proven ideal on the field.
"Rodney's really playing well out there. All the coaches have noticed," Comegy said. "He's a kid that can stretch the field, but also run over the middle and make that tough catch in traffic."
Gray's transition to Jackson State's offense has been a quick one. He's played with both the first and second teams in practice and figures to get his share of catches, even while surrounded by veterans like Jaymar Johnson, Chris Johnson, Carlos Simpson and Kethonne McLaurin.
Oliver proved to be adept at sharing the wealth last season. Six receivers had at least 10 catches while nine receivers caught a touchdown pass.
"I love this group of guys because they're used to sharing the ball," Gray said. "Everybody's a class act. Guys like Kethonne and Jaymar have been showing me things and I think we're blending together well."
JSU's lone question mark is at tight end, where the availability of senior Marcel Frost is still unknown.
Frost broke his left leg on one of the final plays of Jackson State's spring game and the recovery has been slow and painful.
Frost was cleared to take his brace off and run on the leg a few weeks ago, but getting in game shape may take another month.
Comegy said he's aiming for the Sept. 13 Southwestern Athletic Conference opener against Texas Southern as a realistic goal.
"Obviously, he's a big target and a great blocker who we want in that lineup as soon as possible," Comegy said. "But I'm not going to rush him. He's a tough kid so I know he'll be back on the field as soon as possible."
In Frost's place, freshman Cedric Dixon and sophomore Antoine Ott-Terrell figure to see most of the playing time.
JSU: RECEIVERS
Wide Receiver
2006 Stats
Player Ht. Wt. Cl. Rec. Yards TD
Jaymar Johnson 6-1 180 Sr. 30 527 2
Chris Johnson 6-3 205 Sr. 18 308 4
Rodney Gray 6-3 200 So. Played at USM
Carlos Simpson 5-9 190 Jr. 22 219 1
Kethonne McLaurin 6-2 200 Sr. 15 284 1
Terrance Jones 6-0 200 Sr. Did not play
Tight End
Player Ht. Wt. Cl. Rec. Yards TD
Marcel Frost 6-5 255 Sr. 10 118 1
Cedric Dixon 6-4 212 Fr. Did not play
What's hot?
Receiver is the most stocked position on the JSU roster with plenty of talent and experience returning. Add in Southern Miss transfer Rodney Gray, and quarterbacks Jimmy Oliver and Tray Rutland will have no shortage of targets.
What's not?
Marcel Frost broke his leg during last season's spring game, and it is still uncertain when he will be available for game action. JSU coach Rick Comegy said a tentative goal for Frost is the first SWAC game against Texas Southern.
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