Five players who improved their draft stock most in 2022
By Jack Brentnall
Five players who improved their draft stock most in 2022
Eric Gray – RB, Oklahoma
Gray is a name that will be familiar to college football fans. The former four-star recruit spent two years at Tennessee, before transferring to Oklahoma ahead of the 2021 season. There were lofty expectations in his first year as a Sooner as he was named to the Doak Walker Award watchlist, but he never managed to supplant Kennedy Brooks as their lead back.
Fast forward to 2022 and things look very different. Gray finished the season with 1,374 yards and 11 touchdowns on his 212 carries. He led the Big 12 in yards per carry (6.5), explosive runs (44) and breakaway runs (21). He also showed his potential as a pass catcher, with 34 catches for 238 yards.
Gray’s combination of traits has never been in doubt. His quick footwork, short area quickness, and change of direction ability are clear for all to see, as is his impressive patience and vision. The question was always whether he could put it all together and have a marquee season. He answered that question definitively in 2022.