By Thomas Sellers Jr.
His nicknames are “The Quiet Assassin” and T-shirt worthy “Vicious Panda.”
He’s also known as an All-Region defensive and offensive lineman. This Millington Central High School product is proudly recognized as Ms. Susan’s son.
But for Trojan senior TJ Graves, two of the most important monikers in his life are Tony Graves Jr. and No. 65.
“I was born a Trojan and I followed in my dad’s footsteps,” TJ said. “My dad was No. 65, that’s why I wore No. 65. I think he played one year in high school and then he started working. He had to help out his family. I am living out his dream too.”
Tony Sr.’s sacrifice for his son and daughters Katie and Brandi gave his children a chance to chase their dreams, passions and interests. For TJ, sporting the black and gold No. 65 started when he was 4-years-old. Because of his advance size and abilities Graves always played a level up.
“It feels good finally being a senior but it feels sad too because it all went by so fast,” he acknowledged. “I feel just like just yesterday I was out there on that baseball field practicing football by KFC. Tommy Clifton, Devonte Nelson, Melo (Remiello Thomas), Marques Flowers.”
All those former Trojans have graduated and most of them have played on the collegiate level. TJ wants his shot to play in college with a couple of offers already. As a proud Trojan, he wants to maximize his final year in football and wrestling. Already going to State twice in wrestling, Graves plans to add baseball in the spring. From playing traveling baseball to competing in various wrestling meets across the country, TJ has long realized the investment his parents made for his success.
“I appreciate that I never had to sacrifice my time in sports because my mom and dad work so hard for us,” he said. “Mom going to work Monday through Friday, she never missed anything. Dad working hard and he’s always there for me.”
With the understanding of accountability and responsibility, TJ is a dedicated teammate. He said men like Mark Fisher, Jay Shaw, Jake Haley, Tommy Clifton Jr., Antoine James, Jason Woodall, Tony Johnson, Will Little, T. Taylor, Nick Sciluffo, Tommy Clifton Sr., Gregory Shaw, Chris Michael, Michael Adair, Andrew Bryant, Jeremy Haley, Chester Ford, Don Gengenbach, KJ Cobb and Bradford Wilmer have added to his passion of football.
“Also I want to mention Shawn Matsunaga who keeps us all healthy and ready for game day,” TJ added. “And I’ve had many great teammates and my guys now are good.”
The Trojans will have to be solid in 2021 facing a new district schedule featuring Covington, Ripley and Dyersburg.
“I want to be the leader in tackles and I shooting for All-Region on both sides of the line,” he said. “I’m going to lead by example. I don’t talk much but since I was little I let my play the talking. I am going to keep pushing my teammates and lead the team that way.”
TJ’s action on the football field have always earned his teammates attention. During his freshman year, an upperclassman Verdo Young witnessed his hard hit in practice. That day the Vicious Panda was born. But several years ago No. 65 was welcomed into this world by Tony and Susan.
“The No. 65 is special because it’s my dad’s number,” TJ said. “It was the number he picked when he was little. I’ve made it the Graves’ number.”
With many names on his register, TJ is looking to earn one more to the list.
“I want people to say the kid is an athlete,” he concluded. “I just want to prove I am an athlete no matter how short or small you are.”
