Huskers lock in commitment from RB Anthony Grant
ByBRIAN CHRISTOPHERSON 24 minutes ago
(Photo: Christopher Nee, 247Sports)
Nebraska has a new running back to add to the competition, and
Anthony Grant plans to jump right in.
The prospect out of New Mexico State Military State Institute told Husker247 on Sunday afternoon he is committed to Nebraska. He'll fly back to New Mexico today and then is planning to return to Lincoln probably on Tuesday so he can start classes at UNL and participate this spring.
"I just felt like Nebraska was everything that I needed," Grant said.
On his weekend visit, the 5-11, 210-pound running back got a chance to meet new running backs coach
Bryan Applewhite, who was officially announced as the new position coach NU on Thursday. Husker offensive quality control coach Steve Cooper and recruiting staffer Ryan Callaghan were also important along the way as NU recruited Grant while getting its staff in place.
"He's a great dude," Grant said of his initial meeting with Applewhite. "I love the way he is. He seems like a wonderful coach."
Originally out of the familiar recruiting grounds of Buford, Georgia, which is where Husker running back Gabe Ervin is from, Grant began his career at Florida State, but left his biggest mark this past season in the JUCO ranks. He had 1,730 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 7.2 yards every time he carried the football.
While at FSU, Grant was a strong special teams player for
Willie Taggart in his one year with the Seminoles. He finished with nine tackles on special teams and amassed 247 yards on 11 kick returns that season.
"I bring to the table a versatile back. Fast, strong, physical back," Grant said. "An every-down back. Someone who just wants to win."
With two years of eligibility still ahead of him, Grant is focused on making an immediate push for the top of Nebraska's depth chart. "Just getting in the film room, getting to Nebraska and seeing where I end up at."
Nebraska has been on his radar since the summer, according to Grant. "I've really just been following them up, trying to see if they was the best school for me. I just kept following them and they were loving me up the whole time. I fell in love with the tradition and what they have to offer."
The addition of Grant gives NU six scholarship backs for sure in the fold now, with him joining Minneapolis high school product Emmett Johnson in this cycle. NU also did land a commitment earlier in the week from Deondre Jackson, who was at Texas A&M, but there was an academic snag that keeps Jackson from enrolling now. Jackson told Husker247 on Saturday he was still planning to come to Nebraska in May.
Grant should give Nebraska's competition at the position an immediate jolt, however, with Rahmir Johnson the top returning back from last season after posting 495 yards on the ground.
In Grant's case, he's had to fight through some adversity after starting his career in Tallahassee and then going the junior-college route.
"I learned to just be mentally aware of everything and focusing more, and realize that my future is right in front of me," Grant said. "I just have to take advantage of it."
