For the eighteenth edition of Beyond the Wall, we sat down with Chicago Rush wide receiver Reggie Gray. Gray currently leads the team with 38 receptions, 566 yards, and 14 touchdowns this season. He is averaging nearly 115 receiving yards and three touchdowns per game in his first season seeing action in the AFL. He was part of the Chicago Rush team in 2008, but did not see playing time. This season, Gray has jumped off to a hot start and has been one of the top wide receivers in the AFL this season. Gray and the Rush are going up against the Kansas City Command on NFL Network’s “Arena Football Friday” tomorrow night.
Editor: Reggie, thanks for joining us today! It’s technically your first season playing in the AFL. You were on the Rush in 2008 but did not see playing time. This year you are leading the team in pretty much every wide receiver statistical category. How have you been able to step in right away and make such a huge impact?
Reggie Gray: 2008 was a great year for me, as far as learning. I was playing behind guys like Damian Harrell and Donovan Morgan, so I wasn’t able to see much playing time in games. But practicing with them, taught me a lot. In my mind, 2008 was a rookie season for me because I was able to sit there and learn a lot without actually playing. This year, I am trying to take all of the things I learned from 2008 and incorporate them into my game. With the help of the coaching staff, Russ and a few other key players on the team, I am able to go out there and utilize my talents.
ED: What things do you do differently to prepare for the Arena style?
RG: At this point in my career, I try to watch a lot of film. I’ve never watched this much film in my entire life. I really have enjoyed watching film. I try to watch as much film as possible, and try to figure out what I have to do in the game to be successful. I’m always trying to get an upper hand and get a good feeling for what the other team’s tendencies are.
ED: IN 2001 you won the High School City Championship in Illinois. You played wide receiver, defensive back, and kick returner. Today if you needed to play defense, would you? And do you enjoy defense or would you rather stick to offense?
RG: I enjoy playing defense. I’ve been preaching to the Defensive Backs Coach to put me in there. Defense is extremely fun to me, but I have tried to focus on my offense at this point in my career. I wouldn’t mind it though if they put me on defense. If they needed me to play defense, wide receiver, and kick returner, I would love to do it. It has always been a dream of mine to play all three positions on the professional level. Maybe I will get my opportunity and make the most of the situation.
ED: In college you played at Western Illinois and with QB Russ Michna. Did having him on the Rush help you get into a quick rhythm on the field?
RG: I definitely feel that the chemistry has added to my success this season. My first two years at Western Illinois, were his last two seasons. We had very good chemistry during our time there. His first college pass and my first ever snap with Western Illinois went for a 71 yard touchdown. The connection was great during those two seasons, and then in ’08 he was on the Rush as well. I am now extremely comfortable with him at quarterback and I believe he is comfortable with me. With both of us on the same page, it makes the game so much easier.
ED: Being a small receiver, you have to be able to use your quickness and explosiveness on the field. How have you been able to do that in your football career?
RG: Growing up, I was always small. I have always been trying to gain weight and get bigger, but it just never wants to happen. At a certain point, I just had to accept it and focus more on my quickness, speed, and my ability to catch the ball. I always try to play big. I know I can’t control my size, but I can control my quickness, speed and hands. I try to focus on those things and make them as strong as possible.
ED: You grew up and have lived in the state of Illinois your entire life. How has your time been with the Rush and are you comfortable playing in your home state?
RG: Playing professionally in my home state has always been a dream of mine. To be able to play in front of your home city is just awesome. I was born and raised in Chicago, Ill. and have yet to play out of the state of Illinois, whether it was high school, college or in my pro career. It is a blessing to be able to play in front of your home crowd where you grew up. Playing in Chicago really means a lot to me because I feel that it is my city. It definitely makes me extremely happy to be able to win for my city. It is just great to be able to play in front of my hometown. To be able to produce and be a leader, while we win games in Chicago feels great.
ED: This is now your second game on NFL Network’s “Arena Football Friday”. Does it add any extra motivation playing on the NFL Network?
RG: Playing on TV definitely adds a little incentive because more people are watching you play. You want to be able to play to the best of your ability so people can notice you. But after the first game on NFL Network, you realize that it’s just another game. Going into this week, I am trying to focus on the game and getting a victory. I know that I am out there to help my team win a football game and if I am seen and noticed, that would be great. But as long as we get the W, I will be happy.
ED: Thanks for joining us today and good luck tomorrow night against Kansas City!
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