Niles High School freshman Tre Gray had a normal reaction when beginning his varsity football career last Friday against Kalamazoo Loy Norrix.

How he played wasn’t normal.

Gray caught 14 passes for 237 yards with three touchdowns in a 55-33 loss to the Knights.

“When I stepped out on the field I couldn’t believe I was playing on the varsity,” said Gray. “I dropped my first couple of passes.”

After the slow start, Gray listened to the advice that Niles football coach Antwon Jones gave him. The rest of the evening Gray showed why he made the varsity as a freshman.

“After the first couple of plays,coach talked to me about not being scared,” Gray said. “I then changed my mentality and caught a couple of balls and made some plays.”

Late in the first quarter with Niles at its own 28-yard line and facing a 4th-and-7, Gray made his first high school catch, which turned into a 39-yard gain. Gray totaled 12 yards after catching the ball and he added 27 yards with his legs.

Four plays later, Gray caught his first career touchdown, which was a 28-yard pass from quarterback Alex Harpenau, who completed 27-of-55 passes for 458 yards and five touchdowns.

“I was excited,” Gray said about the touchdown. “I looked back and saw if I was in the end zone. I saw coach smile and I was happy.”

Gray added touchdown receptions from two yards and one yard.

The 5-foot-7, 130-pounder wasn’t surprised that he had numerous opportunities to make plays.

“Coach told me before the game that he wanted me to experience the intensity that is needed to play on the varsity,” Gray said.

Several weeks before the season started, Jones was convinced that Gray belonged on the varsity.

“Coach saw me catch a couple of balls during two-a-days in the preseason,” Gray said. “He asked me if I wanted to play on the varsity. Coach said he need a couple of receivers.”

Jones heaped praise on Gray after the game against Kalamazoo Loy Norrix.

“He has the potential to be the best I’ve ever coached,” said Jones.

“Once he got over the jitters during the first couple of passes he did a phenomenal job. He was blocking and catching passes. He was unselfish and did his part.”

Considering he spent a lot of time playing running back and quarterback in rocket football and  junior high, it’s scary to think how good Gray can be as a full-time wide receiver.

Gray isn’t satisfied and he feels that he can provide much more to the Niles football team.

“I don’t want to be selfish and say that I’m the best wide receiver on the team,” Gray said. “I want to show my teammates how good of a leader I can be and push myself during practices and games.”

Jones already sees maturity in Gray that you don’t see in a lot of freshman.

“He’s a special kid, who’s a hard worker,” Jones said.