Texas State freshman Lakeyleon Graves has been practicing at both wide receiver and defensive back, giving the Bobcats the chance to use one of their most talented young players on both sides of the ball.
This is nothing new for Graves. During his career at Kilgore High School, the four-star athlete played wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback, safety and edge rusher. He also contributed as a punt and kickoff returner. As a junior, Graves caught 48 passes for 987 yards and 13 touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 136 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, three interceptions, and six pass breakups. His production helped Kilgore reach the Class 4A Division I state championship game.
Texas State head coach G.J. Kinne reportedly recruited Graves with the idea that he could become the Pac-12’s version of Travis Hunter. That is a big comparison for any player, especially a freshman, but Graves has already shown that he is comfortable playing wherever his team needs him. At 6-foot-2 and around 200 pounds, Graves has the size and athleticism to create problems at either position. He can give Texas State a physical target at receiver while also using his length and ball skills against opposing wideouts at defensive back.
The main question is how much Texas State will ask him to handle during his first season. Learning two positions at the college level will not be easy, but his practice reps show that the Bobcats are serious about giving him an opportunity on both sides. Graves does not have to become the next Travis Hunter to make an immediate impact. If he earns meaningful snaps at receiver and defensive back this fall, he could become one of the most exciting freshmen in the new Pac-12.
