Jahkeem Stewart overwhelms the overwhelming majority of offensive linemen he faces.
That’s true for ESPN and Rivals’ No. 1 prospect in the 2026 recruiting class on gamedays, but it’s especially true in camp settings where a lack of pads and jerseys benefits defensive linemen. There's just not as much real estate for offensive linemen to get their hands on.
When Stewart stood across from four-star 2026 offensive guard Darius Gray at Ohio State’s high school football camp on Thursday, there was reason to think it would be business as usual. Stewart holds a three-inch height advantage and plenty more in reach over Gray, plus his pedigree of being the nation’s No. 2 composite prospect and No. 1 defensive lineman.
Yet when the two squared off during pass rush one-on-ones, Gray won a majority of the reps. When he stonewalled Stewart on the final rep between them, he drew an uproar from those gathered to watch the elite clash.
“It's a confidence booster definitely, without a doubt,” Gray told Eleven Warriors after the performance. “When you train, when you’re playing, everybody's trying to be number one. So when you get to go against number one, it feels great because, you know, you're here. And this is the opportunity you've been working for.”
It’s no shock that Gray picked up a scholarship offer from the Buckeyes a short time later.
“It would mean everything,” Gray said of what an offer would mean. “It's been a long time. Ohio State, most draft picks and everything, getting an offer from a school like this would definitely mean the world to me.”
Im EXTREMELY BLESSED to have earned an offer from THE Ohio State University!! @CoachJFrye @CoachSollenne @ryandaytime pic.twitter.com/GiT9GFIvnR
— DG (@dariusgrayy_) June 6, 2024
Gray’s got a great pedigree in his own right, ranked 56th overall and No. 3 among interior offensive linemen in the 247Sports composite for the 2026 class.
The 6-3, 290-pound prospect from St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, Virginia, has lofty ambitions for his football career and believes Ohio State is a school that could get him there.
“My end goal is not to just make college ball, not to just go to the NFL, but I'm trying to be a Hall of Famer,” Gray said. “Ohio State does a great job doing that, at least giving me the opportunity to be in the league. So, it would definitely be at the top.”
Thursday marked his second time on the Columbus campus, where he took an unofficial visit in March 2023.
“It's great. I love campus, but most importantly, I love the coaches,” Gray said. “They coach hard. That's what I love right there, I love being coached. And they told me straight up what I need to do.”
Gray’s compliments for Ohio State’s coaching staff extended to offensive line coach Justin Frye, who he hopes to build more rapport with as his recruitment progresses.
“I like everything about him,” Gray said. “This is just my second time up here, so we're still building that connection. But when I practiced today, he went through what he'd do for his players. And so, I got the opportunity to work with him and he got me much better today.”
While development for the professional ranks is crucial in Gray’s decision for where he’ll spend his time in college, chemistry with coaches and teammates is the top factor. He also wants a path to stick around football after he’s done playing, be it as a commentator or instructor.
“Family atmosphere, that's the most important thing,” Gray said. “Just trusting the coaches and players to have your back just as much as I have theirs. I want to major in sports communication. I want to be a broadcaster when I'm done, or at least a coach. So those two things, and I know Ohio State does a great job with sports communication.
“I can't imagine myself being outside of the football world, so keeping me in here, whether that's broadcasting to others or analyzing or coaching, whatever it may be, I'll still be a part of the game.”
If he keeps posting performances like those he had at Ohio State’s camp, all of Gray’s dreams are achievable.
