NFL legacy recruit meets former Clemson great, wants to get back on campus
By: Gavin Oliver December 24, 2016

After a productive sophomore season that saw him add another scholarship offer, Charlotte (N.C.) Ardrey Kell safety Jeremiah Gray is still hard at work honing his craft.

On Friday, Gray, the son of former BYU, Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers safety Derwin Gray, worked out with Stanford sophomore cornerback Quenton Meeks, the son of longtime NFL coach and defensive coordinator Ron Meeks.

“It went really well,” Gray said of the workout. “My dad is friends with Quenton’s dad, and Quenton was here for a little break before the Sun Bowl. We worked on footwork, explosion out of your breaks and technique. He gave me a lot of pointers, like about watching film and football IQ.”

Later on Friday, Jeremiah had the opportunity to meet former Clemson great and current Atlanta Falcons All-Pro defensive end Vic Beasley at the team’s chapel ahead of today’s game against the Panthers in Charlotte.

“I really enjoyed it,” Jeremiah said of meeting Beasley. “Vic is a great guy. Very humble. He talked very highly of Clemson.”

Jeremiah visited Clemson for the first time in October when the Tigers played N.C. State and returned in November for the rivalry game against South Carolina.

“I hope to get back to Clemson soon,” he said.

Jeremiah was first offered in January by BYU, where his dad played from 1989-92. Wake Forest was next to offer before Penn State followed in October.

Arizona, Clemson, Maryland, North Carolina, N.C. State, Pittsburgh and Virginia are also showing interest in the 6-foot-1, 190-pound standout.

Jeremiah is beginning to build a relationship with his area recruiter, Danny Pearman, as well as defensive backs coach Mike Reed, and he looks forward to his next experience in Tiger Town.

“I want to tour the facilities when they are finalized, (get a feel for) the academic support and (see) coach Dabo, coach Reed and coach Pearman,” Jeremiah said.

Along with Clemson, Gray also visited Wake Forest, Virginia, N.C. State and Penn State this season.

Up next is a trip to Virginia Tech on Jan. 15.

“I look forward to meeting the defensive backs coach (Galen Scott) as well as visiting the school,” Jeremiah said.

Jeremiah was one of a select group of athletes nationally to receive an invitation to the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl national combine, which will take place from Jan. 5-7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Moving forward, he will continue to focus on his academics and prepare for his junior season.

“I’ll be focusing on school,” he said, “and continuing my work with my speed coach.”