Source: South Carolina is hiring Florida cornerbacks coach Torrian Gray
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 12, 2021
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 12, 2021
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South Carolina is hiring Florida cornerbacks coach Torrian Gray
- Thread starter FeatheredCock
- Start date
A three-time all-conference selection on the field at VT, Gray helped lead the Hokies to a pair of conference titles and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (49th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft.
Beamer and Gray were teammates for the Hokies and were on the same staff together under Frank Beamer from 2011-15.
With 20 years of coaching experience, Gray has become known as one of the best defensive back coaches in the country from both a development and recruiting standpoint.
TORRIAN GRAY BIO
Understanding the tradition of DBU, Dan Mullen welcomed veteran defensive backs coach Torrian Gray to Gainesville on Jan. 21, 2019. Gray, who has 19 years of coaching experience, worked at Florida during the 2016 season prior to spending the last two seasons with the Washington Redskins.
Gray has developed a number of NFL defensive backs at the collegiate level, including former Gators Teez Tabor, Marcus Maye, Quincy Wilson and Duke Dawson. Prior to his time at UF, Gray developed Brandon Flowers, Kam Chancellor, Kyle Fuller and Kendall Fuller at Virginia Tech.
In addition, Gray has familiarity with UF’s defense as he played for Todd Grantham for four seasons when he was a student-athlete at Va. Tech.
Following a standout career at Kathleen H.S. in Lakeland, Fla., Gray played collegiately at Va. Tech and became a three-time all-conference selection. He helped lead the Hokies to a pair of conference titles and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (49th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Vikings before retiring with a career-ending knee injury in the spring of 2000.
Florida (2019-Present)
In his first year back in Gainesville in 2019, Gray played a significant role in developing a number of dynamic defensive backs in several different areas and positions, producing a unit that finished tied for ninth in the FBS with 16 interceptions on the season. Under Gray’s guidance, UF was one of only two FBS teams (FAU) to feature four players - Shawn Davis, Kaiir Elam, Donovan Stiner, Marco Wilson – with at least three interceptions each. Additionally, Gray guided cornerbacks CJ Henderson (First Team) and Kaiir Elam (Freshmen Team) to All-SEC honors by the league’s coaches, as Elam was one of seven FBS true freshmen with at least three interceptions. Henderson later went on to be the ninth overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Washington Redskins (2017-18)
In his first season in Washington in 2017, Gray’s defensive backs helped produce the team’s strongest season against the pass in nearly a decade. The unit ranked third in the NFL in completion percentage allowed (57.6 percent), the team's best ranking since leading the NFL in the category in 2005 (54.4), while finishing ninth in passing yards allowed per game (213.8, the team’s lowest since 2009) and 10th in opponent passer rating (81.0, lowest since 2008).
Gray reunited with former pupil Kendall Fuller, who developed into one of the league’s top slot cornerbacks and tied for the team lead with four interceptions. Gray also integrated unrestricted free agent safety D.J. Swearinger into the defense and helped install him as one of the unit’s leaders, as Swearinger earned captaincy status before ever playing a snap for Washington and finished the season with a career-high four interceptions. Gray also helped develop rookie safety Montae Nicholson, who flashed his talent in an injury-truncated rookie campaign, and contributed to the success of cornerbacks Josh Norman, Bashaud Breeland and former Gators standout Quinton Dunbar.
Swearinger picked up right where he left off in 2018. In 15 games, he had four interceptions, 10 passes defensed, one sack, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. His four interceptions were tied for the sixth most in the NFL and Swearinger’s 10 passes defensed were the fifth most by a safety in the league this year.
He was also one of two players in the NFL this season to record multiple interceptions in two or more games.
As a defensive unit in Week 15 against the Jags, Gray’s unit allowed just 20 total net passing yards, the lowest mark of any team in 2018.
Florida (2016)
In 2016, Gray served as the defensive backs coach at the University of Florida. Under Gray’s guidance, cornerback Teez Tabor earned first-team All-SEC honors from both the Associated Press and the league’s coaches while also garnering second-team All-American honors from numerous outlets. Gray also helped guide defensive back Quincy Wilson to second-team All-SEC honors.
Virginia Tech (2006-15)
Gray spent a decade at his alma mater leading some of the nation’s best defensive backfields.
In his 10 seasons in Blacksburg coaching the secondary, his unit allowed just 185.0 passing yards per game and a 106.5 opponent passer rating – both ranked second in the nation over that span. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 50.4 percent of their passes in those 10 seasons, the lowest percentage of any defense in the nation. The Virginia Tech secondary ranked in the top 15 nationally in opponent passer rating eight times in Gray’s 10 seasons leading the unit, including three top-five finishes.
During Gray's tenure, a total of 11 Hokie defensive backs were selected in the NFL Draft.
In 2006, his first year leading the group, they ranked first in the country in passing yards allowed per game (128.2) and second in opponent passer rating (91.3).
In 2014, the Hokies had the fourth-best pass defense (189.2 ypg) in the Atlantic Coast Conference despite losing All-American Kendall Fuller early in the season due to injury. His unit allowed opponents to complete just 49.6 percent of their passes, second-best in the conference.
Chicago Bears (2004-05)
Before returning to Virginia Tech, Gray spent two seasons in the NFL as assistant defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears from 2004-05. In 2005, Gray’s unit helped the Bears rank fifth in the NFL in passing defense and finished tied for second in interceptions (24) as defensive backs Nathan Vasher and Mike Brown both earned Pro Bowl selections.
UConn (2002-03), Maine (2000-01)
Gray began his coaching career at the University of Maine, serving as defensive backs coach for two seasons from 2000-01. He then spent the 2002-03 seasons as defensive backs coach at the University of Connecticut. During his time with the Huskies, he coached cornerback Justin Perkins, helping him to two all-conference selections and 12 career interceptions.
Background
Following a standout career at Kathleen H.S. in Lakeland, Fla., Gray played collegiately at Virginia Tech and became a three-time all-conference selection. He helped lead the Hokies to a pair of conference titles and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (49th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Vikings before retiring with a career-ending knee injury in the spring of 2000.
A native of Lakeland, Fla., Gray was born March 18, 1974. He has two daughters, Tori and Lexi.
Coaching History
Seasons
School/Team
Title/Position Coached
2019-Present
Florida
Cornerbacks
2017-18
Washington Redskins
Defensive Backs
2016
Florida
Defensive Backs
2013-15
Virginia Tech
Defensive Secondary/Passing Game Coordinator
2006-12
Virginia Tech
Defensive Secondary
2004-05
Chicago Bears
Assistant Defensive Backs
2002-03
Connecticut
Defensive Backs
2000-01
Maine
Defensive Backs
Postseason History
Season
Bowl Game
Opponent
Result
2019
Capital One Orange Bowl (Florida)
Virginia
W, 36-28
2016
Outback Bowl (Florida)
Iowa
W, 30-3
2014
Military Bowl (Va. Tech)
Cincinnati
W, 33-17
2013
Sun Bowl (Va. Tech)
UCLA
L, 42-12
2012
Russell Athletic Bowl (Va. Tech)
Rutgers
W, 13-10
2011
Sugar Bowl (Va. Tech)
Michigan
W, 23-20
2010
Orange Bowl (Va. Tech)
Stanford
L, 40-12
2009
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Va. Tech)
Tennessee
W, 37-14
2008
Orange Bowl (Va. Tech)
Cincinnati
W, 20-7
2007
Orange Bowl (Va. Tech)
Kansas
L, 24-21
2006
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Va. Tech)
Georgia
L, 31-24
2001
Division I-AA Quarterfinals (Maine)
NFL Players (Round Drafted)
CB Justin Perkins (UFA) – Connecticut ’05 – Kansas City Chiefs
S Aaron Rouse (3rd) – Virginia Tech ’07 – Green Bay Packers
CB Brandon Flowers (2nd) – Virginia Tech ’08 – Kansas City Chiefs
DB Macho Harris (5th) – Virginia Tech ’09 – Philadelphia Eagles
DB Kam Chancellor (5th) – Virginia Tech ’10 – Seattle Seahawks
FS Cody Grimm (7th) – Virginia Tech ’10 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DB Rashad Carmichael (4th) – Virginia Tech ’11 – Houston Texans
CB Jayron Hosley (3rd) – Virginia Tech ’12 – New York Giants
CB Kyle Fuller (1st) – Virginia Tech ’14 – Chicago Bears
CB Antone Exum (6th) – Virginia Tech ’14 – Minnesota Vikings
CB Kendall Fuller (3rd) – Virginia Tech ’16 – Washington Redskins
S Marcus Maye (2nd) – Florida ’17 – New York Jets
CB Quincy Wilson (2nd) – Florida ’17 – Indianapolis Colts
CB Teez Tabor (2nd) – Florida ’17 – Detroit Lions
S Chuck Clark (6th) – Virginia Tech ’17 – Baltimore Ravens
S Terrell Edmunds (1st) – Virginia Tech ’18 – Pittsburgh Steelers
DB Duke Dawson (2nd) – Florida ’18 – New England Patriots
S Marcell Harris (6th) – Florida ’18 – San Francisco 49ers
CB Greg Stroman (7th) – Virginia Tech ’18 – Washington Redskins
DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (4th) – Florida ’19 – New Orleans Saints
DB CJ Henderson (1st) - Florida '20 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Personal Information
Birth date: March 18, 1974
Hometown: Lakeland, Fla.
Education: 1996 – Virginia Tech
Family: Has two daughters, Tori and Lexi
Beamer and Gray were teammates for the Hokies and were on the same staff together under Frank Beamer from 2011-15.
With 20 years of coaching experience, Gray has become known as one of the best defensive back coaches in the country from both a development and recruiting standpoint.
TORRIAN GRAY BIO
Understanding the tradition of DBU, Dan Mullen welcomed veteran defensive backs coach Torrian Gray to Gainesville on Jan. 21, 2019. Gray, who has 19 years of coaching experience, worked at Florida during the 2016 season prior to spending the last two seasons with the Washington Redskins.
Gray has developed a number of NFL defensive backs at the collegiate level, including former Gators Teez Tabor, Marcus Maye, Quincy Wilson and Duke Dawson. Prior to his time at UF, Gray developed Brandon Flowers, Kam Chancellor, Kyle Fuller and Kendall Fuller at Virginia Tech.
In addition, Gray has familiarity with UF’s defense as he played for Todd Grantham for four seasons when he was a student-athlete at Va. Tech.
Following a standout career at Kathleen H.S. in Lakeland, Fla., Gray played collegiately at Va. Tech and became a three-time all-conference selection. He helped lead the Hokies to a pair of conference titles and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (49th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Vikings before retiring with a career-ending knee injury in the spring of 2000.
Florida (2019-Present)
In his first year back in Gainesville in 2019, Gray played a significant role in developing a number of dynamic defensive backs in several different areas and positions, producing a unit that finished tied for ninth in the FBS with 16 interceptions on the season. Under Gray’s guidance, UF was one of only two FBS teams (FAU) to feature four players - Shawn Davis, Kaiir Elam, Donovan Stiner, Marco Wilson – with at least three interceptions each. Additionally, Gray guided cornerbacks CJ Henderson (First Team) and Kaiir Elam (Freshmen Team) to All-SEC honors by the league’s coaches, as Elam was one of seven FBS true freshmen with at least three interceptions. Henderson later went on to be the ninth overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Washington Redskins (2017-18)
In his first season in Washington in 2017, Gray’s defensive backs helped produce the team’s strongest season against the pass in nearly a decade. The unit ranked third in the NFL in completion percentage allowed (57.6 percent), the team's best ranking since leading the NFL in the category in 2005 (54.4), while finishing ninth in passing yards allowed per game (213.8, the team’s lowest since 2009) and 10th in opponent passer rating (81.0, lowest since 2008).
Gray reunited with former pupil Kendall Fuller, who developed into one of the league’s top slot cornerbacks and tied for the team lead with four interceptions. Gray also integrated unrestricted free agent safety D.J. Swearinger into the defense and helped install him as one of the unit’s leaders, as Swearinger earned captaincy status before ever playing a snap for Washington and finished the season with a career-high four interceptions. Gray also helped develop rookie safety Montae Nicholson, who flashed his talent in an injury-truncated rookie campaign, and contributed to the success of cornerbacks Josh Norman, Bashaud Breeland and former Gators standout Quinton Dunbar.
Swearinger picked up right where he left off in 2018. In 15 games, he had four interceptions, 10 passes defensed, one sack, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. His four interceptions were tied for the sixth most in the NFL and Swearinger’s 10 passes defensed were the fifth most by a safety in the league this year.
He was also one of two players in the NFL this season to record multiple interceptions in two or more games.
As a defensive unit in Week 15 against the Jags, Gray’s unit allowed just 20 total net passing yards, the lowest mark of any team in 2018.
Florida (2016)
In 2016, Gray served as the defensive backs coach at the University of Florida. Under Gray’s guidance, cornerback Teez Tabor earned first-team All-SEC honors from both the Associated Press and the league’s coaches while also garnering second-team All-American honors from numerous outlets. Gray also helped guide defensive back Quincy Wilson to second-team All-SEC honors.
Virginia Tech (2006-15)
Gray spent a decade at his alma mater leading some of the nation’s best defensive backfields.
In his 10 seasons in Blacksburg coaching the secondary, his unit allowed just 185.0 passing yards per game and a 106.5 opponent passer rating – both ranked second in the nation over that span. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 50.4 percent of their passes in those 10 seasons, the lowest percentage of any defense in the nation. The Virginia Tech secondary ranked in the top 15 nationally in opponent passer rating eight times in Gray’s 10 seasons leading the unit, including three top-five finishes.
During Gray's tenure, a total of 11 Hokie defensive backs were selected in the NFL Draft.
In 2006, his first year leading the group, they ranked first in the country in passing yards allowed per game (128.2) and second in opponent passer rating (91.3).
In 2014, the Hokies had the fourth-best pass defense (189.2 ypg) in the Atlantic Coast Conference despite losing All-American Kendall Fuller early in the season due to injury. His unit allowed opponents to complete just 49.6 percent of their passes, second-best in the conference.
Chicago Bears (2004-05)
Before returning to Virginia Tech, Gray spent two seasons in the NFL as assistant defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears from 2004-05. In 2005, Gray’s unit helped the Bears rank fifth in the NFL in passing defense and finished tied for second in interceptions (24) as defensive backs Nathan Vasher and Mike Brown both earned Pro Bowl selections.
UConn (2002-03), Maine (2000-01)
Gray began his coaching career at the University of Maine, serving as defensive backs coach for two seasons from 2000-01. He then spent the 2002-03 seasons as defensive backs coach at the University of Connecticut. During his time with the Huskies, he coached cornerback Justin Perkins, helping him to two all-conference selections and 12 career interceptions.
Background
Following a standout career at Kathleen H.S. in Lakeland, Fla., Gray played collegiately at Virginia Tech and became a three-time all-conference selection. He helped lead the Hokies to a pair of conference titles and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (49th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Vikings before retiring with a career-ending knee injury in the spring of 2000.
A native of Lakeland, Fla., Gray was born March 18, 1974. He has two daughters, Tori and Lexi.
Coaching History
Seasons
School/Team
Title/Position Coached
2019-Present
Florida
Cornerbacks
2017-18
Washington Redskins
Defensive Backs
2016
Florida
Defensive Backs
2013-15
Virginia Tech
Defensive Secondary/Passing Game Coordinator
2006-12
Virginia Tech
Defensive Secondary
2004-05
Chicago Bears
Assistant Defensive Backs
2002-03
Connecticut
Defensive Backs
2000-01
Maine
Defensive Backs
Postseason History
Season
Bowl Game
Opponent
Result
2019
Capital One Orange Bowl (Florida)
Virginia
W, 36-28
2016
Outback Bowl (Florida)
Iowa
W, 30-3
2014
Military Bowl (Va. Tech)
Cincinnati
W, 33-17
2013
Sun Bowl (Va. Tech)
UCLA
L, 42-12
2012
Russell Athletic Bowl (Va. Tech)
Rutgers
W, 13-10
2011
Sugar Bowl (Va. Tech)
Michigan
W, 23-20
2010
Orange Bowl (Va. Tech)
Stanford
L, 40-12
2009
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Va. Tech)
Tennessee
W, 37-14
2008
Orange Bowl (Va. Tech)
Cincinnati
W, 20-7
2007
Orange Bowl (Va. Tech)
Kansas
L, 24-21
2006
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl (Va. Tech)
Georgia
L, 31-24
2001
Division I-AA Quarterfinals (Maine)
NFL Players (Round Drafted)
CB Justin Perkins (UFA) – Connecticut ’05 – Kansas City Chiefs
S Aaron Rouse (3rd) – Virginia Tech ’07 – Green Bay Packers
CB Brandon Flowers (2nd) – Virginia Tech ’08 – Kansas City Chiefs
DB Macho Harris (5th) – Virginia Tech ’09 – Philadelphia Eagles
DB Kam Chancellor (5th) – Virginia Tech ’10 – Seattle Seahawks
FS Cody Grimm (7th) – Virginia Tech ’10 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DB Rashad Carmichael (4th) – Virginia Tech ’11 – Houston Texans
CB Jayron Hosley (3rd) – Virginia Tech ’12 – New York Giants
CB Kyle Fuller (1st) – Virginia Tech ’14 – Chicago Bears
CB Antone Exum (6th) – Virginia Tech ’14 – Minnesota Vikings
CB Kendall Fuller (3rd) – Virginia Tech ’16 – Washington Redskins
S Marcus Maye (2nd) – Florida ’17 – New York Jets
CB Quincy Wilson (2nd) – Florida ’17 – Indianapolis Colts
CB Teez Tabor (2nd) – Florida ’17 – Detroit Lions
S Chuck Clark (6th) – Virginia Tech ’17 – Baltimore Ravens
S Terrell Edmunds (1st) – Virginia Tech ’18 – Pittsburgh Steelers
DB Duke Dawson (2nd) – Florida ’18 – New England Patriots
S Marcell Harris (6th) – Florida ’18 – San Francisco 49ers
CB Greg Stroman (7th) – Virginia Tech ’18 – Washington Redskins
DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (4th) – Florida ’19 – New Orleans Saints
DB CJ Henderson (1st) - Florida '20 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Personal Information
Birth date: March 18, 1974
Hometown: Lakeland, Fla.
Education: 1996 – Virginia Tech
Family: Has two daughters, Tori and Lexi
Last edited by a moderator:
Interesting. I was skeptical early on when hearing about the possibility of getting him out of UF. Shane's ties are strong and this looks to be another solid hire.
The methane fumes in the dumpster are always in danger of cooking off down at UF.
Glad we will get Gray out of there before it happens again.
Glad we will get Gray out of there before it happens again.