ECU football's Davon Grayson bounced back from an injury to make 2017 the best season of his career, all while committing his time to community service efforts in Greenville and excelling in the classroom. In December, Grayson received an official invitation to the NFL Combine, the league's most prestigious scouting event, held in Indianapolis from Feb. 27 to March 5. Combine workouts begin Friday, March 2.
 
The six-foot-two graduate student finished the season with 886 total receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns while also volunteering at the James & Connie Maynard Children's Hospital, visiting patients, as well as the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina, packing and distributing food. In addition, the Cleveland native is no stranger to hard work in the classroom. Grayson earned a spot on the ECU honor roll for multiple semesters of his undergraduate study. He received his bachelor's degree in sports studies during ECU's spring commencement in May 2017.
 
"Walking across that stage was huge for me. It made me realize that my time in Greenville is almost up, and how fast the time has flown by since I first came to ECU," Grayson said. "It really made me slow myself and enjoy the small things, enjoy my team and enjoy getting a chance to show up to this field."
 
The last year has been filled with milestones and achievements, but Grayson is familiar with overcoming adversity. Born with a speech impediment, Grayson has had to overcome challenges when having conversations with anyone he meets. "The majority of the time when I start talking, people don't even realize I have a speech problem until I get stuck," he said. "And then, when I do get stuck, some people may think it's a joke and they might chuckle, but it just reassures me: this is who you are, this is what God wanted you to be. It has really shown me to be confident in who I am despite how people might view me. I've learned how to articulate myself in different capacities and ultimately I think it's helped shape me into the man I am today."
 
His successful 2017 campaign came on the heels of a redshirt year, during which he was forced to sit out because of a serious back injury. With over a year of rehabilitation efforts under his belt, he appeared to have regained full health. "I worked super hard to get to this point," said Grayson. "My teammates supported me and carried me through the process."
 
Head coach Scottie Montgomery gave Grayson high praise. "Davon Grayson [poured] every part of his soul into every game, every practice," Montgomery said. "We have got to get everybody competing at his level."
 
Arriving to Greenville in 2013, Grayson had the opportunity to learn from two of the best receivers in ECU football history: Justin Hardy and Zay Jones. Hardy, drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, had a big influence on Grayson during their two seasons together. "Justin really showed me how to have a silent confidence and how to have a certain attack mode where you don't need to say anything; where your play speaks loudly enough," said Grayson. "That has carried with me and it always will."
 
Jones, drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills, was Grayson's roommate their freshman year. He also made an impact on Grayson. "Zay taught me how to show up to practice and work hard for what you want. He taught me that you show up every day, no matter what's going on off the field, and give it everything you have," he said.
 
Following in the footsteps of his former roommate, Grayson was also named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list in mid-October. This award recognizes the nation's top wide receiver for on-field performance. Not only is Grayson being noticed for his achievements on the field, he is gaining national attention off the field as well. Before the 2017 season, he was nominated for the Wuerffel Trophy, an award that honors an FBS player who best combines community service with athletic and academic achievement.
 
Currently, Grayson is completing a training program for the Combine at IMG Academy in Florida. "As important as the physical part of the Combine is, I've been really focusing on the mental preparations as well, " he said.
 
The Combine is known to be mentally demanding: athletes go through interview preparations and mental conditioning at their training facilities prior to the showcase. "It really helps us develop a professional mindset, to go along with all of the new physical milestones we are achieving."
 
The journey to the league is something that Grayson has worked for day-in and day-out since a young age. "It would mean the world to me. It's been a dream of mine since the first day I strapped on a helmet in little league." 
 
Looking back on his time spent in the Pirate uniform, Grayson reflected on the moments that made him into the standout athlete he is today. "In my career, I've experienced many highs and just as many lows. I've endured the glory of victory and the pain of defeat. Being a part of this program has made me a relentless player and a stronger person."
 
Grayson realizes the pedestal he stands on as a collegiate athlete and doesn't take that for granted when it comes to serving his community. "As football players and college athletes, we have so many opportunities to give back and to inspire someone that maybe doesn't have the same opportunities that we have," he said. "I know myself and a few of my teammates have come from tough backgrounds and I would have loved to have had a football player come and tell me that I could pursue my dreams when I was younger."
 
Finding a spot on an NFL roster means more to Grayson than simply the next step in his outstanding career. "I'd be able to show my young brothers and sisters that the only limit to your life is the one you create," he said.
 
Davon Grayson's ability to bounce back and overcome is nothing short of inspirational. Just as Zay Jones set the bar high for Grayson, Grayson himself has now become a role model for younger athletes. Matching a high level of character with impressive athletic ability has put this Pirate wide receiver in position to succeed in anything life throws at him.
 
"Pirate Nation will always be in my heart, and forever be a part of me," said Grayson.