Murray County's Tucker Gregg making his college case

Murray County running back Tucker Gregg tries to get open during the Southeastern 7-on-7 tournament in July 2016 in Dalton, Ga.
Murray County running back Tucker Gregg tries to get open during the Southeastern 7-on-7 tournament in July 2016 in Dalton, Ga.

CHATSWORTH, Ga. - In most ways it doesn't bother Tucker Gregg that he's likely the most productive high school football player you've never heard of.

In some ways, ways that have a direct effect on his future, the lack of recognition for the Murray County senior running back troubles him. The numbers speak loudly and suggest it might be a good time to get to know the 5-foot-11, 210-pounder who is the owner of the program's game, single-season and career rushing marks.

"I really don't know," Murray coach Chad Brewer replied when asked why Gregg has received just one college scholarship offer so far (from FCS school Jacksonville University).

"It's beyond me. I'm not questioning our local college coaches, and maybe they all have a roster full of running backs, but he's strong and fast and he checks all the other boxes - character, work ethic, academics - and he wants to be a college football player. He is the total package. If they come around and see that, they will see what a home run (he is)."

Gregg is on pace to shatter his 1,699-yard junior season. Through five games he has 923 yards, a Chattanooga area-best 184 yards per game, and is averaging more than 7 yards per carry against teams stacked defensively to stop him.

He's coming off a 32-carry, 246-yard performance against Adairsville that included an 85-yard touchdown run in which he showcased his 4.54-timed 40-yard speed.

"Teams have changed schemes to try and stop him, but he's so hard to tackle because he's so fast and so strong," Brewer gushed. "We feel like if we can get him into the secondary he's got a chance to score every time he touches it. Most teams we play don't have safeties that big and strong who can run like he does."

A lack of breakaway speed was the one area, Gregg thought after his stunning junior season, that may have been hurting him in recruiters' eyes. He spent the offseason doing speed drills, jumping rope every day and weight training to add more lean muscle.

"Last year I could break in the open and a lot of time would get caught, but this year my speed has improved," said Gregg, who enters tonight's game against rival North Murray with 3,837 career rushing yards. "After my sophomore season I worked on getting stronger, so all the work I've put in is showing now. People don't realize all the hard work we put in behind the scenes."

By "we" Gregg means he and his linemen. The running back is quick to point out that without such guys as Margarito Gutierrez, Dillon and Dalton Manning, Tyler Keener and Cade Blassingame his numbers wouldn't be as gaudy.

"Those guys make sure I don't get touched at the line," Gregg said. "They're a great group and they take a lot of pride in what we do."

The numbers, he hopes, will very soon start attracting scouts.

"I've got to let them know that I'm a hard-nosed runner and I don't mind hitting anyone," he said when asked what he has to do to turn some heads. "I have the speed and the size, and I have the passion to make it.

"I just need to get recognized by the right person at the right time."

Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6296; follow on Twitter @youngsports22.

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