Cyril Grayson hasn't played organized football since 2011, his senior season at Rummel High School in the New Orleans suburb of Metairie. But after a standout track and field career at Louisiana State University, Grayson decided to pursue a football career, and as a result he was on the field in LSU's indoor practice facility last Wednesday morning along with the football team's top draft prospects for the Tigers' pro day workout.
And despite having not played college football, Grayson impressed talent evaluators to the point that the Seahawks signed the 23-year-old after bringing him to Seattle for a visit. Because Grayson is a fifth-year senior and did not play football, he was eligible to be signed immediately instead of going through the draft.
Grayson, who was measured at 5-foot-9, 178 pounds, worked out as a receiver at LSU's pro day and displayed hands and route-running ability that showed he is more than just a speedster. As a senior at Rummel, Grayson had 28 receptions for 731 yards and eight touchdowns. According to results posted on LSU’s website, Grayson was clocked at 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash, posted a 10-foot, 7-inch broad jump, and a 34.5-inch vertical leap.
"I know a lot of question marks were raised when I came in because I haven't played football since 2011 at Archbishop Rummel," Grayson told reporters following his pro day workout. "So why should I even be here? It's always been a passion of mine and it's always been the plan to play (football), but because of scholarships and other reasons with compliance, I wasn't able to play. I've been training on my own and doing things I need to do to stay in shape and stay ready for an opportunity like this. Today was a great day. When I lined up I put up really good numbers. I can't complain."
While at LSU, Grayson earned All-American honors seven times between the indoor and outdoor track seasons running the 200, 400 and 800 meters, and won four national championships on relay teams.
