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Richmond, VA.- When you picture a star linebacker, what is it that you look for? Speed, strength, instincts?
How about all of those attributes in one solid frame. Enter Hermitage high linebacker Curtis Grant.
The number 44 ranked player on ESPNU 150 and number 3 ranked inside linebacker is a man among boys on the football field. He’s got every tool you look for in a crusher in the heart of your defense. He’s got a mean streak in him and a will to get better all of the time. Currently through summer workouts he’s up to 6’3″ 222 pounds which makes him even more of a beast on the gridiron.
Recently Curtis has been making the rounds by visiting a few schools. He discussed those recent visits and what lies ahead in this interview.
“The trips were awesome. I went to Florida, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, and Georgia Tech. It was me and my mom and dad all together.”
“Florida I saw some things and built a better relationship with the coaches. It was just an unofficial visit so no camp or anything like that. Coach White is recruiting me from there so it was a chance for us to meet.”
“Alabama went well. They showed me around the campus. Everything looks real expensive there. I had a good time with the offensive line coach. It was a little bit more than what I expected.”
“Clemson, I have been there before so this was my second trip. It was fun, but I didn’t really see anything new.”
“Georgia was pretty fun. They are doing a lot of renovating right now. They said they are trying to make it look more like Alabama’s facilities when they are done.”
“Georgia Tech, I’ve been there before but I got to meet with coach Grove for a while. It’s one of the biggest stadiums out there.”
Most recruiting circles peg Curtis as a Virginia Tech or possibly an Alabama lean. Curtis however has not named any leaders in any previous interviews and has no plans for that now.
“I hear all that but nobody knows but me. I am going to put together a list by August maybe, we’ll see. Right now I would say that Virginia, Florida, Alabama, and USC are all recruiting me hard. USC has been recruiting me real hard for a while. I’m actually going out there in two weeks, I’ll probably look at UCLA too while I’m there. I’m not going up to Oregon on that trip, but I’ll probably be back out to Oregon for an official visit. I’m taking all five official visits before I decide. Distance won’t be a factor in my decision, I’m pretty open.”
I’ve heard through several sources that Curtis Grant is the top linebacker on several coaches boards. And not just the top inside linebacker, or the top linebacker they have a shot with, but the top one in the country. When he goes to a camp he not only participate, he dominates. He mentioned that he’s working hard this summer just trying to get bigger, stronger, and faster in the weight room and in practice.
His current plan is to make a commitment by the end of his senior season.
ESPN Scouts Inc Evaluation:
Grant possesses the excellent athleticism necessary to get to the football vs. both the run and pass. His size is what we like to see for the outside linebacker position at the major level of competition. This is a very flexible, smooth athlete; is more productive when pursuing laterally, although will take on blockers vs. the inside run; works at being a physical player with some success but must improve his ability to hand shiver and shed in 1 on 1 situations. Is aggressive and tough, flashing downhill and stacking skill against the inside run but an overall better and more productive guy when able to avoid blockers and work laterally; demonstrates the agility and balance to work through traffic with excellent playing speed and pursuit habits; displays solid wrap tackling skill with an explosive finishing burst. In pass coverage we like his hips, showing back peddle and smooth cross over ability. This player is fluid in space; gets his eyes on the QB with good underneath route recognition and break on the thrown ball. This is an area where we see a great deal of promise as his career unfolds. His athleticism should be of great benefit as a coverage defender. Flashes good pass blitz timing with inside power rush toughness. Because of his positive playing speed special teams should allow him to make productive contributions early on. This is a guy with a very good motor who consistently works at getting to the football. Grant’s athleticism could propel him into early playing time along with work on special teams while his playing strength improves.
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