[DTLB58]

Notes:

Texas prep star who made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2008 when he started 8-of-12 games and carried 75 times for 363 yards (4.8-yard average) and a touchdown, caught 10 passes for 60 yards (6.0) and zero touchdowns and returned 49 kickoffs for 1,169 yards (23.9), including a 98-yard score against Oklahoma. Set a school freshman record with 1,592 all-purpose yards. Started 9-of-13 games in ’09 and rushed 159-757-5 (4.8) with 28-226-2 (8.1) receiving and 27-642-1 (23.8) on kickoff returns. Started 7-of-13 games in ’10, toting 200-1,133-12 (5.7) with 34-251-1 (7.4) receiving and 17-422 (24.8) on kickoff returns. Also tossed a 14-yard TD pass. Played 11 games in ’11, starting five, and totaled 198-1,045-12 (5.3) rushing, 31-239-0 (7.7) receiving and 5-96 (19.2) on kickoffs. Became the fourth player in Big 12 history to eclipse 6,000 career all-purpose yards. Has 10 career fumbles in 735 career touches (but only one the last two years when used most) and gained 5.2 yards per carry. Suffered a stress fracture in his left shoulder against Kansas and missed the final two games. Strained his right calf during 3-cone drills at the Combine and did not run shuttles.
Positives:

Good feet and nice lateral agility to make quick, subtle cuts (verified by showing very clean feet and decisiveness in off-tackle recognition drills at the Combine). Sets up his blocks and sees the cutback. Good contact balance. Effective stiff-arm. Reliable hands as an outlet receiver — accomplished catcher (103 career receptions). Alert in pass protection. Very strong pound-for-pound. Solid, unselfish teammate — maintained a positive attitude while sharing the backfield with Christine Michael and is well respected by teammates and coaches as a smart, mature, hardworking leader by example. Exhibits strong leadership traits desired in a locker room. Decisive, sure-handed kickoff returner. Improved ball security his final two seasons.
Negatives:

Lacks ideal size and bulk. Shows some hip tightness. Does not relish contact. At times wastes steps and does not burst through the hole — bounces some runs too early instead of slamming inside. Runs upright. Average finishing power and tackle-breaking strength. Not overly elusive and lacks an extra gear to kick it into overdrive. Has a 321⁄2-inch vertical jump. Inconsistent blocker.
Summary:

Productive college complementary back who projects to a similar role in the pros, as he generally will gain what is blocked and will come to work with a team-first attitude, though he does not possess unique speed, elusiveness or power, nor does he exhibit the type of kinetic leg energy or relentless compete level to be considered elite. Was not even the best back on his own team, yet was highly respected with a well-rounded skill set, will hold teammates accountable and could bring positive qualities to a locker room.

11/19/2011 (Injury Note):

Texas A&M RB Cyrus Gray suffered a stress fracture in his left shoulder against Kansas.

11/12/2011 (Audibles):

NFL evaluator: "(Texas A&M RB) Cyrus Gray is a good complementary back. I put him in the third round."

10/29/2011 (News):

Texas A&M RB Cyrus Gray had a modest day in a 38-31 OT loss to Missouri, rushing 16-58-0 and catching 6-46-1, but in the process became the fourth player in Big 12 history to eclipse 6,000 career all-purpose yards. Gray joins Cedric Benson (Texas), Darren Sproles (Kansas State) and DeMarco Murray (Oklahoma).