Nebraska Football: Henry Gray decision disappointing, but not surprising

(Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)
(Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)

Nebraska football is losing a talented defensive back

As many of you have heard by now, Nebraska football is losing one of its prized defensive backs from the 2020 class. On Friday, Henry Gray announced that he was putting his name in the NCAA transfer portal.

Gray had taken part in the Nebraska football winter conditioning program and  two spring practices before the pandemic shut operations down.

The Miami Central standout was rated the 27th overall safety in the 43rd overall player in his class from the state of Florida per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. Gray made the announcement of his decision to enter the portal via Twitter, and it sounds as though a family matter is what is causing him to leave Lincoln.

I was really hoping that we would be able to see him in a Nebraska football uniform come the fall. I was really excited when Nebraska brought him in, and I thought he could be a tremendous talent in the secondary. The fact that he was among the talented players that Nebraska football landed from the state of Florida was also a bonus. However, I’m certainly not faulting him for leaving.

https://twitter.com/_HG2X/status/1266465299051745280

From a personal perspective, going from Miami to Lincoln is a huge leap. As a newcomer, he might have had a hard time adjusting and being that far from home. It’s certainly a lot for anybody to go from one side of the country to another. I’m hoping he is able to find success closer to home.

Looking at things from a football perspective, this is a big blow to the Nebraska secondary. Right now, Nebraska football has a lot  of upperclassman leadership in the secondary. DiCaprio Bootle is an example of that. The Huskers need players that can fill those positions once the upperclassman leave. I would imagine that Gray would have been a starter sooner rather than later in Lincoln.

In any event, I am hoping that Gray find success elsewhere and wish him nothing but the best. College commitments are difficult, and it certainly is a tough decision. Hopefully, I read stories about him having success with another program. Although I would’ve loved to see him in Nebraska, I totally respect his decision to move forward.