Question of the Week: Will Johnathan Gray reach 1,000 yards next season?

Bobby Burton, Publisher

Nothing in my gut tells me Johnathan Gray will rush for 1,000 yards this year. First, the offensive line is below average. Second, Gray has not always been the healthiest of backs in college. Third, there are going to be other backs worthy of opportunities.

And last but not least, I think Texas has issues rushing for 1,300 yards as a team unless Jerrod Heard is the quarterback. I don't like to be a hater, but the offense, currently constructed, leaves a lot to be desired.

If Texas goes to a more wide-open attack as they worked heavily on in the spring, my thoughts could change. But the proof is in the pudding.

Jeff Howe, Senior Writer

It was clear last season that Gray wasn't 100 percent coming off of his Achilles injury. It wasn't until late in the season with November games against Texas Tech, West Virginia and Oklahoma State when Gray looked like the back who was on the verge of snapping the 1,000-yard drought in 2013.

All indications are Gray has worked himself into top form even beyond where he was physically in the spring when he reshaped his body and added a good amount of mass to his frame. Aside from the one freak injury Gray has shown he can take the pounding at this level, but I don't think he'll rush for 1,000 yards as a senior.

It won't be any fault of his own. The combination of the quarterbacks being more involved in the run game, a renewed focus on getting the ball to the receivers in spots where they can make things happen after the catch and the offensive line's ability (or lack thereof) to make things happen against above average and better defensive fronts being in question, predicting a 1,000-yard season for any back in this offense is almost unfair.

IHe's never averaged more than 4.9 yards per carry in his career and he's never carried the ball more than 159 times in a season. Even if he hits the 4.9 mark, which was two years ago prior to the Achilles injury) and takes Malcom Brown's 189 carries from last season he'll finish just shy of 900 yards on the season.

Until we know to what extent the quarterbacks will be involved in the run game, how much the other backs will be in the mix for carries and what the offensive line looks like, it's almost impossible to predict a 1,000-yard season.

EJ Holland, Lead Recruiting Reporter

With Malcolm Brown off to the NFL, my answer is yes. Despite splitting carries with Brown a year ago, Gray was still able to rush for 637 yards, while averaging more than four yards a pop. And remember this was behind a terrible offensive line.

Gray is one of the best high school running backs I have ever seen — I think most people would say that. So the talent is certainly there. If the offensive line can just make incremental improvements, there is no reason why Gray shouldn't be able to top 1,000 yards.

In order to do so, Gray will have to average just 77 yards per game, assuming Texas makes a bowl game — that's a very feasible number. With Tyrone Swoopes struggling and Jerrod Heard still unproven, there will be a heavy emphasis on the run game, and I believe this is the year Gray finally puts on a show.

But again, it all goes back to the offensive line. The unit's progress this season will be the key to Gray's success in 2015

Chris Hummer, Managing Editor

This is a tough question. The Longhorns have notably not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Jamaal Charles bolted for 1,619 yards in 2007. That means seven seasons have come and gone since one of the top historical producers of running backs has had a player dash for 1,000 yards.

Malcolm Brown came the closest in 2013, and had he gotten the bulk of the carries the entire season he would have almost assuredly broke the barrier. But he did not, and the streak goes on.

Johnathan Gray will be Texas’ lead back in 2015, and baring major injury early in the year, he will likely have the only chance at reaching 1,000 yards. But can he do it? Yes is the easy answer to that question.

Gray was also on pace for a 1,000-yard campaign in 2013 before a torn Achilles ended his season with four games to go. Gray rushed for 780 yards that season, one year after finishing with 701 yards while splitting carries with Joe Bergeron and Brown.

It took Gray a while to get back to full speed in 2014, resulting in his worst statistical season – 637 yards on 4.3 yards per carry. Now fully healthy and the unquestioned lead back, Gray has a very good chance to eclipse the 1,000-yard barrier.

But will he? Gray will have to overcome a suspect offensive line, what could be questionable quarterback play, and it’s also yet to be seen how the new offense will impact the run game. But honestly, the shift could be what Gray needed. Gray excelled at Aledo outside of the tackles, and Texas’ up-tempo style will involve a lot of stretch runs and misdirection.

If Gray is fully recovered from his injury, his special explosion should be there. So yes, Gray will rush for 1,000 yards next season.