STRecruiting: South Carolina lands highly regarded offensive guard Darius Gray of Richmond

The long and winding recruiting road between South Carolina and OG Darius Gray (6-4 280) of Richmond ended Friday night with a win for the Gamecocks. Gray, who was offered by the Gamecocks in 2022, announced a commitment to USC. He chose the Gamecocks over LSU, Tennessee, Clemson and Ohio State.

Gray made numerous visits to South Carolina during the process attending camps, games and recruiting events. He developed a strong relationship with head coach Shane Beamer and OL coach Lonnie Teasley.

“Coach Beamer kind of speaks for himself with what he’s building there,” Gray said after making his announcement on via 247Sports and CBSSports.com.

Beamer made the family feel of his program a major attraction in recruiting. Gray has seen that personally.

“I think Coach Beamer is one of the nicest, most genuine people I’ve been around since I started the recruiting process,” Gray said following one of his visits. “Ever since I was back in eighth grade and was at their camp, he said his only goal was to win a national championship.  Each and every year he’s getting closer to beating teams like Alabama and LSU. He’s constantly right there knocking on the door.  Everything he wants he’s starting to get.”

Gray has also developed a strong relationship with Teasley, his future position coach.

“Our connection is top tier,” he said. “Sometimes, the way he just talks, you’d think he was my high school coach or something.  Our relationship is definitely tight.  That’s family.  Him, (Sam) Serbay, (Greg) Atkins, Beamer are all family to me.  It’s real tight.”

Gray gives the Gamecocks three commitments for the offensive line in the 2026 class which now numbers 15.

USC 2026 Commitments:

1. KJ Johnson                                           CB       6-2    175          Birmingham
2. Kosci Barnes                                        CB       6-2    185          Greensboro, NC
3. Andrew Harris                                       DE       6-2    225          Weddington, NC
4. Aiden Harris                                         DT       6-3    250          Weddington, NC
5. Noah Clark                                           DT       6-3    290          Durham, NC
6. Keenan Britt                                         LB       6-2    230          Oxford, AL
7. Anthony Baxter                                     OT       6-3    335          South Pointe
8. Zyon Guiles                                          OT       6-5    290          Carvers Bay
9. Darius Gray                                          OG      6-5    280          Richmond, VA
10. Landon Duckworth                               QB       6-3    190          Jackson, AL
11. Amari Thomas                                      RB       6-0    195          Blountstown, FL
12. J’Zavien Currence                                SAF     6-3    190          South Pointe
13. Triston Lewis                                        SAF     6-4    205          Greenwood
14. Jamel Howse                                       TE        6-4    210          Newberry
15. Sequel Patterson                                 WR      6-0    165          Indian Land