DITR: Grayson Harkey Harrisburg High School (Harrisburg, AR)

Meet Gridiron’s latest Diamond in the Rough Grayson Harkey, the 5’6 135 pound running back from Arkansas. Grayson may have a smaller stature but he has great speed running a blazing 4.62 40 yard dash and a fast twitch to make breakaway cuts to the sideline. Grayson has been making big strides this year getting the reigns as the the lead back for Harrisburg logging a 4 touchdown 107 yard day in a 44-14 win over Piggott. Grayson has also shown focus on and off the field with him having a 4.0 GPA in school. With all this being said he hopes to continue improving throughout the rest of his junior year this season.

Here’s my interview with Grayson Harkey below!

What got you into football?

I’ve always really liked watching football…it really started at fourth grade and I kind of fell in love with it from there and it’s pretty much been in my life ever since then.

Was there a play or moment that made you play your position?

I played both sides of the ball pretty much my whole life. But, I like running back more than playing safety…I just always love whenever the ball is in my hands and you’re pretty much guaranteed that at running back so I just really liked playing that.

Was there a player you tried to emulate?

I really like Christian McCaffery’s rushing style…I like to juke and stuff.

What is your strongest attribute while playing?

I would say my football IQ probably. I feel like at certain times I just know certain stuff about football that other players just don’t.

What do you think differentiates you from the rest?

I think when it comes to football I feel like I just flip a switch. Cause normally I’m quiet whenever I’m around a lot of people but, whenever it comes to football it’s just like something kicks in and I’m the one screaming, I’m the one getting the crowd hype. I just feel like football brings out the best in me and that doesn’t happen with everybody.

Favorite football player?

I would say Deion Sanders cause I used to play cornerback but then I got moved to safety. But I had always really loved Deion’s speed and his ball knowledge when it came to getting interceptions.

What’s your favorite move on the field?

A quick stutter step or jab inside to get them on their toes and then use my speed to get to the edge.

Who’s your dream teammate to play with?

I would say Saquon cause I feel like he’s such a hype man. Did you see whenever he got the chance to break one of his records but he wanted one of his backups to go in and get them rolling. I just thought that was so cool and showed how big of a heart he really has for everybody.

What’s an underappreciated part of the game?

Honestly, kickoff because right before the game starts you’re just waiting, all the nerves are kicking in and then the ball gets kicked off and all your adrenaline starts running and I really do like that part of the game.