Tahj Gray
Tahj Gray
About Tahj
Expert Analysis
Earnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Tahj Gray
Tahj
Gray
6'4" | 225 lbs | LB
St. Joseph Regional | 2028
State
NJ
entered the season with significant hype. By year’s end, he fully justified it on the field. This season marked the moment Gray separated himself as one of the top defensive players in the country and solidified his status as Prep Redzone’s No. 1 linebacker.
What stands out immediately is his versatility. Gray seamlessly shifts between a stand-up edge rusher and an off-ball linebacker, impacting games from multiple alignments. That flexibility allows St. Joe’s to deploy him where disruption is most needed.
The production followed. Gray finished the season with 102 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, and five pass deflections. He combines length, athleticism, and burst, particularly when threatening the outside shoulder as a pass rusher. Just as important, his motor never stops. His effort shows up snap after snap, regardless of alignment or situation.
Moreover, Gray’s impact directly translated to winning. His presence anchored a championship-level defense and played a major role in St. Joe’s capture of the Non-Public A state title.
Heading into next season, Gray remains one of the premier defensive prospects in the nation. His recognition as Co-Defensive Player of the Year was well earned — and his trajectory continues to point upward.
Check out 2028 Tahj Gray
102 tackles
10.4 tackles for loss
4.0 sacks
5 pass deflections https://t.co/jmw8wV0lBa— Tahj “TJ” Gray (@TahjG17) December 11, 2025
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Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
On defense, Taj Gray stole the spotlight as the most dominant player on either side of the ball. At 6’4”, 225 pounds, Gray combined size, athleticism, and versatility to disrupt the game from start to finish. Whether with his hand in the dirt or rushing as a stand-up linebacker, he consistently pressured the pocket.
Gray finished with a forced fumble, a sack, and multiple pressures that kept
Tyler Bell
Tyler
Bell
6'0" | 180 lbs | QB
St. Peter’s Prep | 2026
State
NJ
off balance all night. His ability to collapse the edge and win matchups made life difficult for St. Peter’s Prep’s offensive line and quarterback.
Currently rated as Prep Redzone’s No. 1 linebacker, Gray’s performance validated that ranking. He flashed his high-end potential throughout the contest, showing why he’s considered one of the premier defensive prospects in New Jersey.
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Read EvaluationJonathan Davalos | Prep Redzone Scout
Tahj Gray
Tahj
Gray
6'4" | 225 lbs | LB
St. Joseph Regional | 2028
State
NJ
may be one of the most sensational athletes in the entire 2028 class. Another player that I got the chance to see perform at the NYNJ Next Combine in May, Tahj stood out amongst the rest as his dimensions and size (6’2″ and 205lb) made you gravitate towards watching his reps. Tahj was one of the most gifted and natural athletes at the entire event, including the high schoolers. No other athlete looked as fluid as Tahj as he ran down the field; he made running and changes in direction look effortless and seamless. You really can’t box Tahj into a position quite yet. He has the size and strength of a linebacker but also ran extremely well when in coverage against the receivers. He was able to stay toe-to-toe with the best the camp had to offer, and could be a big sized safety if he so chooses. Tahj also has the characteristics of big target on offense. Whether he plays tight end or receiver will all be determined by how much size he continues to add to his frame. Either way, he is going to be fed the ball in the future as he will be very difficult for defenses to contend with.
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Read EvaluationJonathan Davalos | Prep Redzone Scout
Maybe the most high school ready player at the entire Next Combine, Tahj’s stature overshadowed every receiver he came up against. Measuring in at 6’2″ and 206lbs, Tahj has hit the growth spirt earlier than the rest, making him a prominent figure at last Saturday’s event. Using his size to his advantage, Tahj was a dominant presence against the receivers. Tahj showed how physical he can be at the line, but also showed that he can stay with the smaller receivers through quick breaks and stutter steps.
Not only did Tahj stand out amongst the crowd with his football dimensions and size, but from what I saw, Tahj may have been the most natural and controlled runner of the combine. Clocking in at 4.84 for the 40, Tahj made his run look effortless and smooth, showing the marks of a natural born sprinter. Tahj is an all around athlete and really could thrive at multiple positions on both sides of the ball, so it will be interesting to see how St. Josephs utilizes him in the future.
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Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
I’ve been covering/evaluating middle school football players since 2010, but I still get that rush of excitement when I see athletes that look like
Tahj Gray
Tahj
Gray
6'4" | 225 lbs | LB
St. Joseph Regional | 2028
State
NJ
. At 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds, he looked like he could be playing varsity football at any school in New Jersey right now. He took part in the New Jersey Prep Redzone Next Middle School Camp as a wide receiver, which is also the position I had him listed on the initial New Jersey 2028 Watchlist. However, after his performance I’m listing him an as Athlete because of how freaky he is. He didn’t partake in every combine test, but finished near the top in both the broad jump and shuttle. I honestly can see Gray playing receiver, tight end, linebacker, defensive end, strong safety, etc. Whatever high school gets to mold this clay, will go a long way to finishing this masterpiece.
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Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
– Played for Matawan
– Also plays basketball at a high level
One of the most physically impressive 2028 wide receiving prospects I’ve seen in the state, thus far. Put together very well with a lot of muscle. Catches the ball with his hands away from his body and can pick up a ton of yards after the catch. Also has a great vertical and can high point the ball with the best of ’em.
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