By Bill Smith
Larry Grant, the senior OSU linebacker, worked with Former Ohio State track All-American and current OSU speed coach Butch Reynolds to prepare for the OSU pro day. On an interview on ESPN Radio Game Night Saturday, he credited his hard work with Reynolds for improving his 40 yard dash time from 4.71 at the Combine to 4.58. His pro day result is a better than average time for someone his size and position. He said that Reynolds had also helped him work more smoothly in drills and in pass coverage. The more fluid the hips are the faster a defender can come out of a change of direction to cover a running back or tight end. While Grant has done well in zone coverage at OSU, every prospect going into the NFL needs to work on that quality.
Prior to his performance at the National Championship game vs. LSU, most experts had projected Grant would be undrafted but become a prize free agent signing of some team. His play in that game plus good showing since has improved the chance of his being a 6th or 7th round choice. As strange as it sounds, he may be better off being undrafted. That way he and his advisors can pursue a free agent agreement with teams that have openings for linebackers on their roster.
The scouting report on All American-Academic Grant indicates that he an accurate tackler and takes good angles against the run and can rush the passer effectively. He shows very good but not great instincts that will only get better as he gets more experience. He works hard studying tape of opponents. He shows good timing at blitzing and holds the point of attack fairly well against a run. He will continue to add a little weight to become better in this area.
He has quick hands and has significant experience at zone coverage but with more work should be more than capable of excellent man to man coverage as well. His first goal will be to win a place on the NFL team's special units, a task that he very much enjoys. That is essential for rookie linebackers. If you can't contribute on special teams, you likely will not make the team. He shows a good motor and works hard on every play. He showed his versatility well in the LSU game knocking down a pass, scoring a hurry on the QB and getting several hard hits on runs.
That quality of versatility will serve him well at the next level. He plays the run well and stays under control rushing the passer. He has good speed and size for an outside linebacker in either the 4 man or 3 man line. His size (238) and pass rush ability makes him a particularly good candidate for the Will or weak side linebacker. He has the toughness to put on a few pounds and play inside if needed.
Grant played at the Junior College level at San Francisco City College where he starred particularly on special teams where he blocked 12 punts in two seasons. In 2005 at CCSF he was the JUCO player of the year. At Ohio State he has spent his career to some degree playing in the shadow of Laurnitaitis and Freeman. But he said it was one of the highlights of his life. He said he enjoyed being a little overlooked by the opponent and showing up to make big plays.
The scout in me is comfortable with the fact that he will get a long look at the NFL level. The fan in me will be pulling for Larry Grant. The best of luck to a fine young man that deserves the very best.