When Juju Gray arrived to Liberty last year as a transfer from NC State, he was advertised as a potential All-American kick returner and gadget type player that could help the Flames in the pass and run game. That was a similar role to what he had for the Wolfpack where he played in 28 games over three years, averaging 24.9 yards per kick return. He was one of the top kick returners not in just the ACC but in the country
Gray had a limited role in the Flames’ season opening win over Campbell before being hampered by injury for a large chunk of the season. He would return to the field, playing a total of eight games, including getting the start in four of the final five games. Still, he didn’t quite live up to the expectation surrounding him entering the season. He finished with 7 receptions for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns and 10 rushes for 62 yards and a score on the season while also finishing with 20.5 yards per kick return. Late in the season, in a trip to Middle Tennessee, Gray did flash his potential. He had three rushed for 52 yards, including a 41-yard scamper for a score and added a 34-yard touchdown reception. It showed his ability to be a game-changer for the Liberty offense, and, despite his injuries, he finished fourth on the team in all-purpose yards.
Following the 2024 season, Gray and the coaching staff made the decision for the talented gadget player to make the transition to being a full-time running back. He has spent the entire off-season, as well as spring practice, the summer and now training camp, working at the running back position. As he was preparing to make the position switch, Juju realized he needed to add some weight.
“The first thing I realized when I first moved to the backfield, it’s important for me to gain weight,” Gray said. “That’s something I put an emphasis on this off-season. Not only gaining weight but learning how to run with it and use my same skill-set with the weight that I gained.”
Gray played around 190 pounds last year, and he has put on about 10-15 pounds since then.
“Obviously, I have to put an emphasis on doing things differently in the weight room than I did last year because I know I’m having a position change,” he continued. “Being a full-time running back is a little different. Making sure I eat and drink different types of proteins, just making sure I really put an emphasis on wanting to gain weight so I can do the things I need to do as a running back.”
One of Gray’s biggest strengths is his quickness, agility, and elusiveness. He’s been sure to maintain that ability while adding the weight to be able to withstand a full season at running back.
“I haven’t weighed as heavily as I currently do,” he said. “Trying to get used to running with the weight and, not only running with it, but trying to keep the elusiveness that I have. Nothing has really changed at all.”
Based on his potential and the expectation for him in this Liberty offense this upcoming season, Gray has been named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List, which is an award given to the nation’s top running back. With his continued play in the return game, Gray is an early favorite to lead the team in all-purpose yards this year. While he’s not the same type of player as the departing Quinton Cooley and Billy Lucas who helped the Flames to a top five rushing attack each of the past two years, Gray should help spearhead a Liberty rushing attacks that is very effective in Conference USA.
“There’s not really expectations on me,” Gray said. “It’s just wanting to see the team succeed in general more so than my personal expectations. It’s great to get recognition, it really is, but I don’t really see it as any pressure or expectation from me. I really don’t.”
