BETHLEHEM – The FASST Brader/Persa Offensive Skills Camp in Bethlehem Saturday was a display of football talent. Easton’s Shane Simpson and Nazareth’s Jordan Gray stood out Saturday. Both won awards. Gray won the Sledgehammer Award and Simpson won the Titanium MVP Award.
Both backs are poised for a big season this fall.
Simpson suffered a season ending injury last November against Nazareth Area. Simpson rushed for 66 yards on six carries and scored on a 42-yard touchdown run in that game. But it was after a five-yard run in the first quarter that ended the sophomores season. Simpson suffered a broken fibula. He has been working hard with Brader since January. “It’s stronger than ever and I am blessed that I am backed,” said Simpson. “I have been working hard doing physical therapy.”
Simpson finished the season with 1,147 yards rushing on 138 carries and 14 touchdowns. He also caught 17 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns.
In 2011, Gray rushed for a District 11 freshman record 1,663 yards and 22 touchdowns to help lead Nazareth
Area to their first ever Lehigh Valley Conference and District 11 Class 4A titles.
Last season the star running back was suspended indefinitely for breaking a school, district athletic code and team policy. “I learned that I need to make smart decisions. It doesn’t affect just me. It affects the whole team,” said Gray. “Being around my teammates has helped me.”
Gray finished the season with 920 yards rushing on 142 carries and 13 touchdowns.
In 2013, the running back position is the place to watch in the Lehigh Valley Conference. Simpson and Gray are set to make a mark this season.
2 Responses
@jim he should be going into his Junior year you people are ridiculous, he should be a junior this fall….in college.
Did we ever find out what grade Gray really should be in?