“It Is A Sealed Dea”: Tennessee move to cut ties with top four rated star.
Once more, it’s that time of year.
Prospects will start visiting schools throughout the nation in the spring to gain a better sense of the coaches and curriculum. On a spring visit calendar, one underclassman already has a full list of schools.
Darius Gray, a four-star offensive lineman from Virginia, intends to visit ACC, Big 10 and SEC colleges in 2026. In an interview with Rivals.com’s Adam Friedman, Gray discussed the schedule, which currently has eight trips planned for the gifted sophomore.
“Everything. Tennessee has, in my opinion, been among the best; they truly are a remarkable university. Every member of the coaching staff in Tennessee, from the head coach to the offensive and defensive linemen, is gathered together. From the games they’ve played to the ones I’ve attended, this school is simply amazing. They fulfill every requirement, therefore I can’t wait to return to Tennessee and have the same kind of fun as before.”
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound offensive lineman subsequently got in touch with VolReport to discuss the Big Orange side of things in more detail.
“The coaches, they have been very welcoming,” Gray stated. “The fans bring love and energy to the game and support the team.”
During multiple trips, the Rivals100 prospect was able to establish a connection with the coaches, and the premier talent had nothing but positive things to say about the Volunteer staff.
Gray remarked, “The relationship is great.” “You would absolutely want to play for these coaches. They are exceptionally skilled in both their work and instruction.”
The Tennessee staff has seen enough of the Virginia native to know where they want to play him and to provide guidance as he continues to develop in high school.
“They’re looking at (guard or center) for me as of right now,” stated Gray. “Definitely want me to be bigger and stronger and constantly keep working on my body as well as the mental standpoint in school.”
The four-star mauler has paid visits to Knoxville in the past and attended a game there last year. One that the incoming junior finds extremely vivid.
“The Rocky Top isincredible,” remarked Gray. “I would never forget how loud the stadium was after the first play vs. UGA when they had an 80-yard touchdown.”
Josh Heupel, Glen Elarbee, and the staff appear to have put themselves in a strong position to compete for the services of the top student-athlete.
“Definitely just continue to build the connection with them as I constantly feel more comfortable every time, I am around them,” stated Gray. “They gave a home feeling, and I just hope that it continues.”
