Wynne's Gray Inks With Hogs

WYNNE -- Shortly after signing his national letter of intent with Arkansas, Cord Gray smiled at his family and teammates in the Wynne fieldhouse. Then he donned a red and white Razorbacks cap, and a member of the audience screamed out "Pig Sooie!"

The 6-1, 285-pound Gray let out a laugh.

"It's just a big blessing in my life," Gray said. "Nothing can get better than this. It's a big step.

"I'm excited for myself and I like those Hogs," Gray added with a laugh. "Go Hogs go, baby!"

Gray was a vital part of the 2004 Class AAAA state champion Wynne Yellowjackets, playing both on the offensive and defensive lines.

On the offensive line, Gray helped the Yellowjackets average more than 300 rushing yards out of the Diamond T offense. On the defensive line, Gray helped stuff opposing team's rushing attacks while giving quarterbacks nightmares.

"When we needed yardage, that's who we ran behind," Wynne coach Don Campbell said. "He was a stopper for us on defense. He's just a tremendous football player. He can do it all, and he was a team player all the way. He played both ways. We rested him some, but he just did an outstanding job."

After a 1-2 start, Wynne finished the year on a 11-game winning streak and went a perfect 7-0 in the AAAA-East conference. With Gray setting the tone, the Yellowjackets marched through the playoffs and beat Greenwood for the state championship in Little Rock.

Gray orally committed to the Razorbacks in June. Campbell said Gray will fit in well with Arkansas coach Houston Nutt's defensive scheme.

"They're getting a good one; he can play," Campbell said. "He's an outstanding player. I think he can play on either side of the ball. (Arkansas is) getting a heck of a football player.

"He'll do well (at Arkansas.) They like players like Cord Gray. Believe me, anybody would like players like him."

Though he can play on the offensive line, Gray said he will be on the defensive line for the Razorbacks.

"All I can do is just say 'Cord, come to work every day and help better my teammates around me,'" Gray said. "I'm not a one-man show. I'm all about the team."