FULTON, Miss. – Orel Gray arrived at Itawamba Community College as a freshman looking for opportunity. He leaves as one of the most productive defenders in the NJCAA.
Gray was named a second-team National Junior College Athletic Association Division I All-American after completing a two-year run that showcased his versatility, physicality and ability to play in the ICC secondary.
The Jacksonville, Fla., native closed out his sophomore season by leading the Indians with 48 total tackles in nine games, including 36 solo stops. Overall, he averaged 5.3 tackles per game and increased that number to 6.0 in MACCC North Division play while adding 2.5 sacks, one interception and four forced fumbles.
Gray’s impact was seen in the biggest moments. In the ICC’s 44-28 road win at Holmes on October 16, he recorded a season-high 10 tackles, matching the career high he first accomplished as a rookie. He added a sack, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in that game. Earlier in the season, Gray had a breakout performance at East Central, collecting a sack, forcing a fumble and returning a fumble recovery for a touchdown in a 23-14 victory.
His foundation was laid during a dominant first season. Gray appeared in eight games and recorded career highs with 52 total tackles and 39 solo tackles while averaging 6.5 stops per game. He became a disruptive force off the edge and in space, recording 10 sacks for 66 yards and 13.5 tackles for loss for 63 yards, both career bests.
Several of his most complete performances came during that first season. Gray opened the year with 10 tackles and two sacks in a 10-7 road win at Hinds and later added two more sacks against Holmes. His most explosive outing came in a 17-0 rout of Northeast Mississippi, recording three sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss and helping anchor a dominant defensive effort.
Over two seasons, Gray developed into a reliable playmaker whose production earned him two MACCC Defensive Player of the Week and NJCAA Division I Defensive Player of the Week honors as a sophomore. He was also named First Team All-MACCC North Division, selected to the NJCAA All-Region 23 team and capped off his ICC career with All-American recognition.
Gray prepped at University Christian School in Jacksonville and began his college career at Florida A&M before transferring to ICC.
On December 3, Gray announced that he would continue his football career at Temple.
The Indians finished the 2025 season 5-4 overall and 4-2 in MACCC North Division play.
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