The Iowa Football team received its first verbal commitment for the class of 2011 yesterday. Wide receiver (one of Iowa's biggest needs for next year) Marcus Grant from Massachusetts made up his mind after visiting Iowa City a few weeks ago. It's too early for stars by the rating services, but here is Grant's profile on Rivals and Scout. Iowa was the second to offer Grant (UConn was the first) back in March. Syracuse made an offer later as well.

Grant in High School

Marcus Grant attends Lawrence Academy out in Groton, Massachusetts. In high school Grant has been a dual-sports star in football and basketball. During his junior year, Grant helped his football team win the ISL (Independent School League) Title and the Samson/Lorden Bowl. In basketball they won the NEPSAC Class C title.

Grant was a multi-threat player last year. He rushed the ball, caught passes, played defense, handled punt and kickoff returns, and even threw a couple of passes.

Stats:
  • Rushing - 25 carries, 349, 4 TDs
  • Receiving - 22 catches, 413 yards, 6 TDs
  • Passing - 2/2, 37 yards
  • Punt Returns - 11 returns, 76 yards, 1 TD
  • Kick Returns - 4 returns, 80 yards
  • Defense - 13 Solo Tackles, 18 Assisted Tackles, 2 INTs, 24 INT return yards
If you add that all up, he averaged nearly 15 yards every time he touched the ball.

Video!
I had a video from Boston.com (Grant is number 6 in that video. Right away you see him getting absolutely schooled on defense. But later he redeems himself taking a pitch and getting to the edge scoring a touchdown. This was from the ISL Championship game last year.) but found a better one on YouTube.


Based on his numbers and the highlight clip, Grant seems like an explosive player. At 6'3", 190 lbs he certainly has the size to be a good receiver and with DJK, Nordmann, Sandeman, and Chaney all graduating after this year, there will be room for Grant to make an immediate impact when he comes on in 2011.