Roger Gradney starred at Rice Consolidated High School in Texas under Coach Brad Dumont. Gradney was a two-way player for the Raiders and was also a standout kick returner.
Gradney totaled 46 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and six sacks on defense as a senior. He also saw action on offense as a hybrid running back and receiver, carrying six times for 108 yards and one touchdown. As a returner, opponents routinely kicked away from Gradney, who had two punt returns for 41 yards and six kickoff returns for 138 yards. Gradney had four kick returns for touchdowns in his career and was recognized as a first-team all-district selection as a wide receiver.
Gradney is also a terrific track and field athlete. He owns a personal-best time of 10.88 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 22.41 in the 200 meters. Gradney has also triple jumped more than 44 feet and thrown the discus more than 135 feet.
Gradney is rated as a consensus four-star prospect. He is regarded as one of the nation’s top 35 safeties in the On3 Industry Ranking and one of the country’s top 15 athletes by 247Sports.