“Be comfortable with being uncomfortable”…these words ring loud in the thoughts of Wilburton quarterback Grayson Mathis in preparation for the 2021 football season. It’s a year that Mathis wants to be something to remember.

“At quarterback, you get put into a lot of situations where you have to improvise. I just try to stay calm and make the play,” explained Mathis, who enters his fourth year directing the Wilburton offense as well as playing cornerback on defense.

Entering his final year wearing the purple and white football uniform, the 6-1,180-pound senior quarterback, whose favorite subject in the classroom is math, has totaled 3,058 yards passing including 34 touchdowns in 22 games. Last season, playing in only four games before breaking his thumb, “G-Dog” passed for more than 1,000 yards including 14 touchdowns including his 17 for 25 effort for 411 yards and five scores against Roland

“I feel comfortable reading the defenses and using my arm strength to put the ball where my receivers can catch it,” said Mathis who also plays baseball, basketball and runs track. “But at the end of the day, my favorite sport is football because of the locker room vibes are unmatched and I love scoring touchdowns.”

Wilburton coach Jeff Marshall is all smiles with Mathis returning to the huddle to direct the offense this fall.

“Grayson is an all-around leader. He commands the offense and makes things go for us,” said Marshall. “He’s had three great years and should break all of the school passing records by the time he graduates.”

Making note that his favorite player is N-F-L great Drew Brees, Mathis chose his words carefully when asked to define himself.

“Hard worker, a winner but most importantly a leader. Not just as a quarterback but in all my endeavors, I try to be a person others can rely upon and be that guy who sets the example for others to follow,” said Mathis.

“It’s our last ride and I want my senior year to prove that no matter the circumstances, I didn’t make excuses but found a way to make things better for my teammates and for myself.”