Post by Striktly on Aug 21, 2014 7:36:20 GMT -5
D’Vonte Grant is undersized for a linebacker but never underappreciated.
Four years ago, Grant, who is 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, was a walk-on at N.C. A&T, eager to earn a roster spot. The Aggies needed bodies to make up for the loss of scholarships because of NCAA sanctions. The timing was right, and so was the fit.
“It’s all about opportunity,” he said. “I thought I could help the team. I felt with the new coaching staff that came in, I could seize the moment. I felt it was my job to compete.”
Said coach Rod Broadway: “We were looking for cheap guys who could play. It worked out well for everybody.”
Now a fifth-year senior on scholarship, Grant proved to be more than a practice body. The Mallard Creek High graduate led N.C. A&T in tackles his first three years and twice earned second-team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors. In 2013, Grant racked up 102 tackles, a league-best four fumbles recovered and three interceptions. Despite his stature, Grant’s instincts and speed have more than compensated.
“It’s just being responsible, playing hard and not trying to be selfish,” he said. “Sometimes you have to learn the tricks of the trade of college football and being undersized, I use my speed.”
For the rest of the story: www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/08/19/5116426/nc-at-football-dvonte-grant-tackled.html
Four years ago, Grant, who is 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, was a walk-on at N.C. A&T, eager to earn a roster spot. The Aggies needed bodies to make up for the loss of scholarships because of NCAA sanctions. The timing was right, and so was the fit.
“It’s all about opportunity,” he said. “I thought I could help the team. I felt with the new coaching staff that came in, I could seize the moment. I felt it was my job to compete.”
Said coach Rod Broadway: “We were looking for cheap guys who could play. It worked out well for everybody.”
Now a fifth-year senior on scholarship, Grant proved to be more than a practice body. The Mallard Creek High graduate led N.C. A&T in tackles his first three years and twice earned second-team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors. In 2013, Grant racked up 102 tackles, a league-best four fumbles recovered and three interceptions. Despite his stature, Grant’s instincts and speed have more than compensated.
“It’s just being responsible, playing hard and not trying to be selfish,” he said. “Sometimes you have to learn the tricks of the trade of college football and being undersized, I use my speed.”
For the rest of the story: www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/08/19/5116426/nc-at-football-dvonte-grant-tackled.html
