Manitoba Bison offensive lineman bulking up his popularity

WINNIPEG — Geoff Gray is known as a guy who can carry his own weight – and then some.

The Winnipegger isn’t just an offensive lineman with the Manitoba Bisons but also lifts weights competitively.

“It’s really the same of what I’m doing in the weight training program here,” said Gray. “I just happen to focus more on my technique and happen to go to competitions.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's really the same of what I'm doing in the weight training program here," said Gray. "I just happen to focus more on my technique and happen to go to competitions."

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Specifically, the Canadian championships. Gray qualified for nationals in his first year of weightlifting but couldn’t attend after he tore his calf during the Bisons’ spring camp. He instead made his debut the following year and placed fourth.

“Speed and power is really where it is,” said Gray. “Technical efficiency. The lower you can catch the lift, the shorter you have to pull it.”

The 6’6″, 310 lb, 21-year-old is capable of lifting upwards of 400 pounds.

“You don’t go all out in your training,” said Gray. “(Competitions) are your time to see how much you can lift.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "You don't go all out in your training," said Gray. "(Competitions) are your time to see how much you can lift."

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Gray is ranked as the top Manitoban in next year’s CFL draft. The prospect praises plates for helping to strengthen his stock.

“It’s important to be technically sound at offensive line,” said Gray. “But at the end of the day, if you can pick up the guy across from you, you’ll have a lot of success.”

Meaning there’s no knowing where Gray will max out.