Tramel Terry didn't really know what to expect entering the Charlotte Nike Football Training Camp. After pulling his groin in the state championship game last fall and running track for part of the spring, the Goose Creek (S.C.) junior still wasn't close to 100 percent. Heck, he hadn't even run full speed in weeks.
But despite the uncertainty, Terry would settle for nothing less than an invite to The Opening while at the NFTC. He made good on his personal vow, using impressive route running and several acrobatic catches to secure a spot at the prestigious event set to take place July 5-8 in Oregon.
Adjusting to circumstances is nothing for Terry, who is ranked No. 47 in the ESPN 150. The Georgia recruit played three positions last fall, totaling 1,680 yards and 16 touchdowns as a wide receiver and running back and shining at defensive back in leading the Gators to the Division II-AAAA state championship.
Terry took some time to talk about The Opening, his commitment to Georgia and his favorite position.
ESPNHS: How did you feel about your performance at the Charlotte NFTC?
Terry: I was injured but still out there competing, expecting the best. Every Saturday, I prepared for the camp like it was a game. I would go to the weight room and work on this little machine that works your hips to stay loose. My groin didn't bother me once I got going, so I was able to work with it. At the end, I wasn't sure if I had done good enough to make it to The Opening, but I was real excited and happy when I got the invite.
ESPNHS: How did you hurt your groin?
Terry: I actually hurt it in the state title game. I wasn't resting so it had become a chronic problem and I had to stop running track. I've tried resting some but I committed to going to the NFTC, so I had to prepare for that. Now that I'm done, I'm going to rest up before going to Florida in June to train with Donovin Darius, who used to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
ESPNHS: What are your expectations going into The Opening?
Terry: I just want to represent my school, Georgia and my class. It's cool to be seen as one of the best players out there, but I know everybody will be good out there, so I'm just going to learn and do my best. I'm not going to press to be somebody I'm not; I'm just going to play my game.
ESPNHS: What was it like winning a state championship last fall?
Terry: It was crazy. We really should have more than one ring, in my mind. The year before, we lost by five yards [in the semifinals] because we threw a Hail Mary at the end and I caught it just short at the 5-yard line. But it was a tough fight in the state championship and it was great to get the win. Now we're looking to do the same thing next year. The leadership of me and the other seniors will be important because we want to make sure the young guys don't come in and think they don't have to work for another title since we just won one. Hopefully everybody will be humble and work hard.
ESPNHS: Which position did you initially play and how did you end up playing three at Goose Creek?
Terry: My first position was wide receiver, but I didn't play much as a freshman until they started throwing bombs and they saw I could catch them. As a sophomore, they taught me the Wildcat offense, so I started playing running back, too. And then my junior year, I played defensive back along with the other two. Next year, I'm going to start at safety and wide receiver and running back, so I've got to train hard to make some plays out there.
ESPNHS: Which position do you like best?
Terry: I can't lie; I'd have to say running back right now because we play in a running offense and I want the ball so I can make something happen. In our offense, it's a quick way to get the ball. But at the next level, I think I'd be a good defensive back in college. Next season, I'll be working on my transition some to being on the defensive side, but really, it's wherever Georgia wants me to play.
ESPNHS: You committed to and then decommitted from Georgia before committing again in March. What went into your decision?
Terry: I'm happy with it and know I did the right thing. In some ways, Georgia was kind of like Clemson but more of a modern campus. All the guys were real cool, like to have fun and do things I like to do, like fishing. There wasn't any hating from the players because you know sometimes players don't like recruits because they think they are coming to take their spots. But everybody welcomes you in and makes you feel like part of the squad. I love it down there.
ESPNHS: What have the Georgia coaches told you about how they want to use you out on the field?
Terry: They said they are looking at me to probably be like Malcolm Mitchell, where I play offense first and then transition to be a defensive back in the next year or two. The good thing is that I'll be graduating early and enrolling in the spring, so I'll get a head start and be physically ready when the season comes.
ESPNHS: In the meantime, how do you plan to build on the success from this past fall at three different positions, especially with more defenses targeting you?
Terry: Well, I'm not the only guy on the team. I just happen to be the most well-known senior, but we've got so many other weapons. They better not just worry about me. I'm still going to do my thing and produce, though, and make plays.
TRAMEL TERRY
School: Goose Creek (S.C.)
Class: 2013
Position: Wide receiver/running back/defensive back
HT: 5-11
WT: 193
College: Georgia
Brandon Parker covers high school sports for ESPNHS. Follow him on Twitter @brandoncparker or email him at brandon.c.parker@espn.com.