CHICAGO -- Simeon junior quarterback Robert Gregory isn’t much for talking to the press, and when he does, he prefers to pass the credit onto others.

On Wednesday before Simeon took the practice field, Gregory danced around questions about himself just as he avoids tacklers on the weekends. He praised his coaches for preparing him. He thanked his offensive linemen for their protection. No matter how the question was phrased or re-phrased, he wasn’t budging.

[+] Enlarge
Scott Powers/ESPN.comRobert Gregory is equally effective with his legs and arms.

Question: “But weren’t you at all amazed by your numbers?”

Answer: Gregory remained silent as a large smile came across his face. The smile disappeared quickly, and he got back on track. “I credit it to the offensive line,” he said.

It’s as close to boasting as you’ll ever get from Gregory. Despite rushing for 246 yards and three touchdowns, completing 19 of 26 passes for 282 yards and three touchdown and leading Simeon down the field in the final minutes for the game-winning touchdown with 46 seconds remaining against Mount Carmel, Gregory would rather not be acknowledged.

Whether he likes it or not, ESPNChicago.com has taken notice of Gregory’s Week 1 achievements and has made him the Prep Athlete of the Week.

“He’s humble,” Simeon senior offensive lineman Chris Bryant said. “He likes us blocking for him, and we like blocking for him.”

Gregory, who is 6-3 and 185 pounds, is the definition of a dualthreat quarterback. He has the speed to elude defenders at the line of scrimmage, and the arm to make defenses pay deep. He did a lot of both against the Caravan.

Gregory doesn’t have a preference for running or passing, and Simeon coach Dante Culbreath is equally confident in either play call.

“He’s very good at both of them,” Culbreath said. “Passing, running, he’s very good at them. That’s the whole thing we try to do – make defenses think what he’s going to do with the football at all times.”

Gregory has gotten better at running, passing and most notably his decision making over the past season. He started as a sophomore on varsity and had his moments of success and failure. This past offseason, Gregory looked to add more successes to his resume by dedicating himself to learning more of the game and watching film.

In Sunday’s win, he displayed that new knowledge. He picked up on Mount Carmel’s defense with ease and was able to find opening for himself and his teammates.

“What impressed me was his poise,” Culbreath said. “I was expecting it because of how hard he worked in the offseason and how hard he worked in the weight room, on the track and in the film sessions. It’s been a big progression.”

Gregory was also motivated by Simeon’s two losses to Mount Carmel last season.

“We couldn’t take another loss,” Gregory said. “We can’t have three losses to one team.”

Sunday’s victory was significant for Simeon and the Public League, Gregory admitted, but he also made sure everyone understand it wasn’t the pinnacle for the Wolverines.

“It’s just a start,” said Gregory, who is receiving interest from Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac 10 schools. “It’s just the start for our season. Our goal is to win a state championship.”

If they do, don’t expect Gregory to take any credit either.