CLEMSON – The Clemson staff made a big impression on a 2026 offensive lineman, especially beyond the game of football.

St. Christopher’s School (Va.) standout Darius Gray was on campus Saturday for the Elite Junior Day, and spoke to The Clemson Insider about his experience.

Offensive line coach Matt Luke was the one he connected with, and he spoke highly of the early impression. Luke’s pedigree stood out to Gray and his passion played just as big of a factor.

“Coach Luke is definitely one of the best in the business, especially as a recruiter. Very passionate, very enjoyable to be around,” Gray said.

Gray holds 13 Division-I offers including the likes of Alabama and Michigan. Standing at 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, his size is already built for the college level.

He said that during his visit, it was the off-the-field aspects that set Clemson apart from other schools.

“If I have opportunity to go to Clemson, that’s what I’ll be there: for football but that’s not the most important thing once you go there in my eyes. They talked about nothing but academics and PAW Journey and it sets you up for everything after football,” Gray said.

Following this visit, Gray told TCI there’s “no doubt” he will be back on Clemson’s campus soon and it’s a relationship he wants to continue to build. Whether it be the spring game or the Dabo Swinney Camp, Gray holds the Tigers in high regards following the visit.

“That would mean everything…there’s not many guys who get an opportunity to have an offer from Clemson so overall, if I do have the opportunity, I would be of course blessed,” Gray said.”(Clemson) is definitely high. I think it’s definitely important to have a school that cares about life after football…they have a 99 percent graduation rate…they put you on the right path to be successful.”

Photo courtesy of Darius Gray(@dariusgrayy_) on X.