Gray Named to Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List

Liberty's Julian Gray, one of nearly 50 new faces on the Flames' roster this season, is already being nationally recognized for his versatile abilities.

Gray, a transfer from NC State, has been named to the 2024 Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List presented by Texas Roadhouse.

Now in its 15^th season, the Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football by the Louisville Sports Commission in memory of the late football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung.

The winner of this season's award and his family will be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award dinner in Louisville, Ky., in March 2025.

Gray played in 28 games during his three seasons at NC State (2021-23). The wide receiver and return specialist tallied 822 total kickoff return yards during his three seasons with the Wolfpack, while also recording 30 receptions for 293 yards and a touchdown.

The native of Huntersville, N.C., averaged 24.9 yards per kickoff return during his career at NC State. He ranked No. 3 in the ACC and No. 11 in the country in kickoff returns in 2023 (26.0 yards per return). He also ranked No. 4 in the ACC in total kick return yards in 2023 (442)

Gray earned ACC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after returning a kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown against VMI in 2023.

During his second year at NC State, Gray ranked No. 3 in the ACC and No. 26 in the country in kickoff return average in 2022 (23.8 yards per return)

This is the second preseason honor for Gray, who was also named to the 2024 Phil Steele Preseason All-America fourth-team as a kick return specialist.

2024 Liberty Football Season Tickets Information
Season tickets for the 2024 Liberty Football season are on sale now! Starting at just $120, members of Flames Nation can secure their spot at Williams Stadium this fall to watch the Flames defend their CUSA conference title and earn their way into the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.

Liberty's exciting 2024 slate includes home games against AAC foe East Carolina (Sept. 21) and CUSA home games against UTEP (Sept. 14), FIU (Oct. 8), Jax State (Oct. 30) and WKU (Nov. 23).

You can purchase your 2024 Liberty Football season tickets now at www.LUFootball.com or call/text (434) 592-5015.

Schedule

Gray Named to Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List

Players Mentioned

Julian Gray