AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USA bad break for a team-first guy
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Several weeks ago, I interviewed Rashaun Grant after a Georgia Tech practice, and he surprised the heck out of me. I asked him his favorite moment of his Tech career, and he I expected him to talk about his 122-yard game at N.C. State, or his first touchdown. Instead, his eyes lit up as he recalled what it was like at the Clemson game in 2004.
You probably remember it: Calvin Johnson’s coming out party, with three touchdown catches, including the game-winner with 11 seconds left to cap Tech’s extraordinary comeback. Grant’s statistics in that game: one carry for zero yards, and one catch for 5 yards.
How many other players would pick a game like that as their favorite moment?
A week ago, when it looked as if Grant would finally get a chance to start for the first time since 2004, quarterback Taylor Bennett said it was great to see it happen for such a “non-selfish” player.
So it was no fun to report the news last week that Grant’s lower leg injury will keep him out of Tech’s last four regular-season games. Neck and hamstring injuries limited what Grant achieved in his first three seasons, and now this.
The news got worse Monday night when I had to write about another senior, guard Nate McManus, who will be out for the rest of his final season. At least he got to start 32 consecutive games and be recognized as part of an offensive line that cleared the way for an ACC rushing leader.
Grant might return if the Yellow Jackets play in a bowl game. I hope he gets the chance and that something good happens for him. He deserves it.
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Football
Comments
By Well Said
October 30, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
Good blog,Matt. RG was rated by recruiting services as one of the top kids in the country in 2003, but his career never materialized in terms of the statistics. However, he gave more than he got and made others better. He will be fine in the game of life……
By Well Said
October 30, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Sorry, Mike. Just saw that it was your posting today….
By Weedin out the kids
October 30, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
You feel for kids like Rashaun. “Well Said” is right: Rashaun came out of high school highly touted, but he never got going at Tech. Guys like P.J. Daniels and Tashard Choice limited his carries when he was healthy.
He will succeed in the future, however, because he is a great kid. You wish that he could find another year of eligibility somewhere so that he could come back for one more season.
Tech by 7 Thursday night…. Not sure which Tech….
GO JACKETS!!!!!!!!!!!
By Mike
October 30, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
I totally agree. Both Rashaun and Nate are great guys whose ocntributions, on the field and on the sidelines, will be sorely missed. THANKS to them both for all their hard work and efforts !!!!
By 3 Rivers jacket
October 30, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
Thurs night is looking bad because of all the injuries but I just have a feeling that someone on the o is going to step up. My gut tells me that Dwyer may rip off a big run or two. It will not take too much O to win i do notthink but we will have to move the ball and not give Vt a short field. A key turnover or 2 and we can win this thing and be back in the thick of the coastal race. Then tune in WUPA on Sat to pull for WF. We will need for about 5 things to happen but first we just need to win. Besided a win here and at least we stay off of the West Coast for a bowl. Grant and McManus were great Jackets.
By BuzzFactor
October 31, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
We have enough depth in the backfield to pull a win out here. The key for this game will be how tough our d can be for 4 quarters. With the biggest area of concern being the first quarter. If we can stuff VT early, things will go our way. Keep the mistakes minimal and show some new wrinkles on Offense.
By Woodrow
November 1, 2007 2:16 AM | Link to this
Two outstanding VT corners suggests that they will stack the box and force Bennett to beat them w/ his arm. So for once, our recievers need to step up and NOT drop any passes. If we can do that, we’ll be fine. If Glennon starts and plays majority of game, our D will eat him alive. His weakness is a blitzing D where he is quick to throw into coverage and has NO speed outside the pocket. Expect a low scoring game…Tech 13 VT 10.