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Show s. by Keith Duncan wouldnt believe it to know that Weber States Elbert Gray was once scared to ask his folks to play football. But its true, just ask him. Every junior high student is fond of his older brother You i t ng the headlines on the football field and that was ase with Elbert as he idolized his older brother dad and he said I could," stated Elbert, "After that it has been my brother Odell, that has led the way and supportedme. My brother ran track too. I used to get all excitea seeing the fans cheer for him and I hoped someday I could have some of that too, said Gray. Grays wish has been granted since the first day he came to Weber State to play defensive back for the d. I was just plain scared to ask my folks whether I could play. Once I built up enough courage I asked my C Wildcats. Now in his sophomore season, Grays future looks bright. Big brother Odell doesnt play sports too much any more but he thrills at the successes of his younger brother Elbert who is rapidly developing into a fine defensive star. Gray, who comes to Weber from Las Vegas, Nevada, stands only 0 and weighs in at 175. Being small " never hurt me probably because of my speed. The extra quickness gave me confidence that I could play with bigger and better players. 6-- -- Was Vegas Prep Star At Western High School in Las Vegas, Gray was known as Mr. Quick. The track team certainly benefitted from .Grays super quick speed and thfcy took the state title his sophomore year. Elbert ran in the 440 relay and placed third in the triple and long jumps. Things only got better as he gained more experience. Some serious bruise injuries caused him to either withdraw or compete injured his junior and senior years. The football team took the state two of the three honors years Elbert competed there with coming to the speedster two of those years. Im not used to losing too many games," said Gray, I want like nothing else than to carry that winning attitude here at Weber State." Injuries, when not too serious only seem to make Elbert perform better. When I have an injury and I know can deal with it, it helps to push me that much harder Ive had track meets in the past where Ive competed better with an injury. As of late, an ankle Injury has hampered Elbert but he is expected to be at full strength in the near future, k CoachjChuck Detwiler can be credited with Elberts entrance into the Wildcat football program. He liked the youngsters defensive qualities and expects him to be a great one. Elbert admits coming to Weber State was in the beginning but couldnt be more comfortable now. ' Every chance I get. Im going for the ball," said Elbert" The coaches want us looking for the interception at all times." Elbert and his defensive buddies met up with two of the nations top passers these past two weeks and as he said, The outcome in both could have been a lot worse. Were going to improve with each game." Gray, who had never played defensive back before coming to Weber, is sure to dish plenty of credit for his knowledge of the position to Coach Detwiler. never known anyone to know more about the defensive backfield than Coach Detwiler," said Elbert. . slow-moti- on .Ive ELBERT sophomore defensive back, was once scared to ask his folks to ploy football, to look at him today. GRAY, Weber State but you wouldn't know it Track a Big Love Track and field is another of Elberts true loves. As a Wildcat last season he L:lped the Wildcats win the conference indoor title. Grays outstanding events include the long jump, 100 meter race and triple jump. . Athletics are his love and up to this point, have bent his life. Music, discos, and people help fill the gaps. Gray doesnt feel shy about his chances' of someday playing pro ball and perhaps even owning his own . business someday, but today his No. 1 goal is to help bring a conference football championship to Weber State College. Coach Detwiler had much to say about Elbert, I first met Elbert through high school in Las Vegas. What we liked most was his extreme acceleration off the baQ and more quickness to spare. Of course this is what you look for in a defensive back, someone that can change directions very fast and be alert. Gray wasnt very Mg but we saw some growth potential after finding his brothers and parents ' were well built Elbert gained 20 pounds in his first year at Weber and has gained much strength. He is a real gentleman and Id take him for a son any day. Gray knows football is a hard nosed game and if he continues to work the way he has worked in the past, he is going to be a very fine football player." |