While the natural instinct today has been to dwell on the running back that is not coming to Fort Worth, it's time we appreciate the running back we DO have coming to Fort Worth. Folks, Ethan Grant is a STEAL for the Frogs. While part of the beauty of recruiting for a school in Texas is the fact that you do not even need to go beyond the state borders to put a Top 10 product on the field, occasionally you'll find you shouldn't be so narrow minded in your pursuits. So, when that happens, why not turn to the second best state for football talent in the country?
Ethan Grant is 5'10", 175 lbs and runs a 4.4 forty. That's about 1.5 times faster than normal human beings. Grant was the 15th rated running back in the nation and the 34th rated prospect in the entire state of Florida. He also decommitted from the University of Oregon in order to become a Horned Frog. Think about that - a stud running back from Florida with an offer from Oregon spurns the Ducks - the hands down favorite to win the Pac 10 again next year and play in the Rose Bowl - in order to come play for Patterson. When you wonder if TCU's rep is expanding, there's your proof right there.
If you've watched the youtube footage, you can see that the hype is well warranted too. Grant is a straight backed runner with tremendous cutback ability and has no problems creating space for himself. He won't necessarily be a between the tackles runner, and he's probably not going to be a Joseph Turner "run you the F over" type back given his size, but with his ability to shake defenders, I can definitely see him fitting into the Ed Wesley mold for our offense. That being said, Grant is tremendously more talented than Wesley was at this stage of his game, so I don't see the coaching staff relegating him to slot duty.
Seriously though - and just remember, my football playing career ended with a dropped touchdown in the end zone in 8th grade, so what do I know? - this kid take ankle breaking to a new extreme. I definitely see some screen passes for six in his future. You could make the argument that he's not necessarily one of those guys who will just run away from defenders - most defensive backs in college football have the speed to catch just about anyone who isn't superhuman - but, if we can get Grant in the open field, look out, because he could juke his own shadow out of its shoes. I'm not sure who our bruising, between the tackles back will be next year, but I do know that the University of Texas would sell Mack Brown's soul to have Matthew Tucker, Waymon James, Dwight Smith and Ethan Grant coming out of their backfield next year.
Just watch the videos. You won't be disappointed.
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8 comments:
I like how he makes his cuts while continuing to go full throttle.
i cant believe you even tried to play football
dude, my game was sick back then... and by sick, I do mean it in the literal term and not like the kids use it.
I think he will spend most of his time in the slot, and possibly taking Kerley's return duties after he is gone. He has the name for it...
Eth-an Gra-ant(and a brigade of rhythmic claps) Kinda works
He looks like Aaron Brown
Yeah, you're probably right about the slot, but I think we for sure need to get him the ball out of the backfield.
Also, after rewatching the highlights, I probably lied about him not being able to out run defenders all the time. It's the devil's advocate in me.
that acceleration and cut-back-ability is reminiscent of reggie bush's high school highlights
I agree with Finch.
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