South Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class is headlined by none other than five-star standout Darius Gray, a dominant two-way force from St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, Virginia. Gray, the Gamecocks’ highest-rated pledge in the class, is proving week after week why he’s considered one of the most complete athletes in the nation.
Recently, On3’s Virginia high school sports analyst Will Garlick released his midseason all-state teams, and Gray made history as the only player named on both offense and defense — a rare accomplishment that highlights his versatility and dominance.
Gray, who projects as an offensive lineman at South Carolina, has been nothing short of elite in the trenches. He’s been a stone wall in pass protection and a powerful force in the run game, earning his five-star status as an interior blocker while also showing the agility and strength to play tackle when needed.
But his impact doesn’t stop there. On defense, Gray has been just as unstoppable. Through only five games this season, he’s already racked up eight sacks and 11 tackles for loss, wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. His performance has fueled St. Christopher’s 4-1 start and positioned the team as a legitimate state title contender.
Adding to his incredible résumé, Gray isn’t just a football star — he’s also a standout basketball player, having earned Virginia’s Private School State Player of the Year honors last season. Standing 6-foot-2 and nearly 300 pounds, his athleticism is rare for his size, making him a true multi-sport phenom.
Gray committed to South Carolina in August, giving Shane Beamer’s program a major win on the recruiting trail. Alongside in-state standout Zyon Guiles, Gray gives the Gamecocks a massive boost up front — the pair are ranked as the two highest-rated interior offensive linemen in the 2026 class, according to Rivals.
According to the Rivals Industry Rankings, Gray sits at No. 31 overall nationally, No. 1 among interior offensive linemen, and No. 2 in the state of Virginia, solidifying his status as one of the premier recruits in the country.
With his combination of skill, size, and competitive fire, Darius Gray is shaping up to be a cornerstone for South Carolina’s future — and one of the brightest young stars in all of high school football.
