Recruiting: Chicago QB CJ Gray joins Army 2026 class

Run option. RPOs. Dropback passes.

CJ Gray does a little bit of everything running Brother Rice’s offense.

What also makes the Chicago quarterback an intriguing prospect running Army’s flexbone-style offense is his toughness.

“I think I fit in their scheme because I play physical and like to run,” said Gray, who committed to Army Monday.

Gray, a high-percentage passer and good decision maker, said he “couldn’t really describe the feeling” of committing to the Black Knights. He also received an offer from Navy. But, Gray’s decision came down to Army and Sacred Heart, an FCS school.

“My (Army) visit gave it the edge,” Gray said. “Just the whole vibe of the campus and what I seen.”

Gray’s Army recruiting started connecting and talking with new tight ends coach Seth Hestness and chatting with head coach Jeff Monken.

“I always knew about Army football but those two really put into perspective and helped me learn about it,” Gray said.

Constant communication sealed Gray’s Army visit June 15. The visit confirmed everything that Gray had talked about with Monken and Hestness.

“I got to see it for myself,” said Gray, who met Monken, Hestness and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Cody Worley during his visit. “I knew that was a place I wanted to be and people I wanted to surround myself with.”