Two on top for one of Ohio's best

By Nick Leach

Photo from Scout.com

Thud. That’s the sound the jaws made this weekend in Massillon, Ohio at the Nike Ohio Combine due to the astounding performance by Doran Grant. The 2011 recruit out of St. Vincent-St.. Mary’s High School in Akron racked up a mind boggling 124.50 SPARQ rating, the new high score on the circuit tour this year. With offers stacking up, the race for the uber-talented cornerback is beginning to take shape.

Here are the feats Grant achieved this weekend.

- 4.56 digitally timed 40 yard dash

- 3.97 shuttle drill (combine best)

- 41.2 vertical leap (combine best)

- 37 foot, 5 inch power ball toss

An impressive display any way you look at it, but even more so when you realize this; he didn’t even have a chance to train or prepare for the combine since he’s been focusing on basketball as his team just took the sectional title this very same weekend!

He also almost assuredly locked himself into a berth to the first annual SPARQ Rating National Championship that will be going down later in the year at the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.

So how did Doran feel about his mythical performance, especially given the circumstances?

“It was pretty good for not really working out much because of basketball.”

Pretty good? Add humbleness to the arsenal!

The SPARQ score and his game film attest to the fact that Doran is a world class athlete and can play a variety of positions on the field, from CB to WR to a return specialist. He agrees with scouts though that cornerback is likely his best position since it best utilizes those physical gifts he possesses. Doran stands in at 5’11 and 175 lbs. but has the frame to easily add onto that.

What’s next for him? Not much as he’s been busy with basketball and SVSM maybe continuing to go deep into the state tournament, they play Akron Kenmore on Wednesday, so his schedule is hard to predict. He did have to say that he’ll be visiting Georgia Tech in April, and then possibly Michigan State after.

His offer list reflects that of a top flight recruit with written offers from Ohio State, Michigan State, USC, Penn State, LSU, Michigan, Stanford, Notre Dame, California, Georgia and Georgia Tech among many others.

It looks like more prestigious programs will be adding to that list, as he noted Miami (Fl.) and Alabama appear close to offering. One of those specifically has his attention.

“Miami (Fl.) jumps out. They were my childhood team, I grew up watching them.”

Out of the schools that have offered, some have stood out more so than others to him; OSU, MSU, Penn State and Georgia Tech. Ohio State and Michigan State still remain out in front of the pack though and for similar reasons.

“Basically the reason why is because of the relationship with coaches and they’re just good people to be around.”

Doran has built a strong relationship with the Ohio State coaching staff and talks quite often with current ’11 OSU commit Kenny Hayes, as well as another OSU recruit in Ronald Tanner. Michigan State holds a strong spot in his positioning due to his friendship with current MSU CB Johnny Adams, comfort level with the staff and the fact his father is an alumna.

Is there any extra pressure since his father went to MSU?

“Nah, no pressure. He doesn’t really care if I go to MSU, he’s just glad that I’m in this position and he knows that it’s my decision.”

The plan is still currently to announce his decision with his attendance at the Under Armour game in January and emphasizes that early playing time and his relationships with the coaching staffs are the two most important aspects in his decision.

Luckily for Doran Grant, early playing time should be easily attainable no matter where his decision leads him given his unique and highly praised athletic skill set.

Get ready sporting world, the jaw dropping thuds will only get louder once he concentrates on football at the next level – and beyond.

Doran Grant comes in as the #2 player in the state of Ohio and a 6.0/4 star prospect.