*** I stayed close to home this weekend and got my second in-game evaluation of three-star Michigan defensive tackle commit Kenneth Grant. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see too much from Grant. After all, Grant helped lead Merrillville (Ind.) High to a blowout win over Chesterton (Ind.) High in the final regular season game of the year. Grant only played a half in a contest that featured a running clock. Still, Grant definitely had his moments and showed off some of the traits that I feel make him elite. Grant also changed Chesterton's entire game plan. When he wasn't getting double teamed, Chesterton spent almost every play trying to cut him. Grant is an absolute force in the middle of that Merrillville defense regardless if he puts up big stats or not. By the way, Grant led Merrillville to its first undefeated regular season record since 1992.
*** Despite the limited action, I still saw enough to formulate some takeaways. One is the fact that Grant is such a great pass rusher from the interior of the defensive line. Yes, Grant is going to be a pure nose at Michigan. And yes, he's already a 340-pound mammoth. But I love how quick he is for his size. Grant logged some quarterback hurries off of various stunts that allowed him to come off the edge. He also overpowered interior offensive linemen or simply out-quicked them — when they weren't attempting to cut him, of course. The reason I'm so high on Grant is because he moves so well at his massive size. Chesterton didn't run very much but when they did, Grant did a nice job of stuffing the middle and allowing his linebackers to make plays. I do think Grant needs to play with better pad level, but there aren't many faults in his game. Michigan is expecting him to make an early impact and so am I.
*** Grant's biggest highlight of the game was his final play. Already down by more than 30, Chesterton was threatening to score and went for it on fourth down. Grant was on the sideline for second and third down as he got a break for water. When fourth down rolled around, his coach asked him if he was ready, and Grant nodded despite looking exhausted and short of breath — again, understandable considering his size and the fact that Chesterton was doubling and cutting him all night. I was expecting Grant to just put his hands up and try to deflect the ball at the line, something he does with a high success rate. Instead, Grant exerted the energy he had left, busted through the line and slammed the quarterback to the ground for a sack. Those are the types of plays that make him special.
*** Grant just committed to Michigan a few weeks ago and is completely solid with the Wolverines. While he's quiet by nature, Grant does have a big personality once you crack his shell. He hasn't been working to hard on remaining targets, but he does plan to keep building his relationships with five-star defensive tackle Walter Nolen and four-star defensive tackle Deone Walker. Grant will be back on campus for an unofficial visit this coming weekend. He is looking forward to bonding with fellow commits and friends Tyler Morris and Will Johnson. This visit is significant as it will be the first time his father sees U-M. His mother accompanied him at the BBQ and on his OV last month.
*** Despite the limited action, I still saw enough to formulate some takeaways. One is the fact that Grant is such a great pass rusher from the interior of the defensive line. Yes, Grant is going to be a pure nose at Michigan. And yes, he's already a 340-pound mammoth. But I love how quick he is for his size. Grant logged some quarterback hurries off of various stunts that allowed him to come off the edge. He also overpowered interior offensive linemen or simply out-quicked them — when they weren't attempting to cut him, of course. The reason I'm so high on Grant is because he moves so well at his massive size. Chesterton didn't run very much but when they did, Grant did a nice job of stuffing the middle and allowing his linebackers to make plays. I do think Grant needs to play with better pad level, but there aren't many faults in his game. Michigan is expecting him to make an early impact and so am I.
*** Grant's biggest highlight of the game was his final play. Already down by more than 30, Chesterton was threatening to score and went for it on fourth down. Grant was on the sideline for second and third down as he got a break for water. When fourth down rolled around, his coach asked him if he was ready, and Grant nodded despite looking exhausted and short of breath — again, understandable considering his size and the fact that Chesterton was doubling and cutting him all night. I was expecting Grant to just put his hands up and try to deflect the ball at the line, something he does with a high success rate. Instead, Grant exerted the energy he had left, busted through the line and slammed the quarterback to the ground for a sack. Those are the types of plays that make him special.
*** Grant just committed to Michigan a few weeks ago and is completely solid with the Wolverines. While he's quiet by nature, Grant does have a big personality once you crack his shell. He hasn't been working to hard on remaining targets, but he does plan to keep building his relationships with five-star defensive tackle Walter Nolen and four-star defensive tackle Deone Walker. Grant will be back on campus for an unofficial visit this coming weekend. He is looking forward to bonding with fellow commits and friends Tyler Morris and Will Johnson. This visit is significant as it will be the first time his father sees U-M. His mother accompanied him at the BBQ and on his OV last month.
