Missy Hazeldine-Auburn Athletic Dept.
It’s taken two years of running with the scout team at two powerful programs for sophomore tailback Corey Grant to finally get a shot at playing time.
Grant, who originally signed with Alabama out of Opelika (Ala.) High School in 2010, transferred from the Crimson Tide to the Tigers last offseason, but had to sit out a year due to the NCAA transfer rule.
Now, he is ready to prove what he can do as a member of the navy and burnt orange.
“Since I’ve been sitting out for the last two years, my goal is really just to play,” Grant said. “If it’s on special teams, offense, it doesn’t matter. I just want to play.”
Following Grant’s senior year at Opelika, the Tigers looked as if they had a shot to land the two-time 6A 100-meter champion before Alabama eventually locked up the explosive tailback. But after only a season with the Tide, Grant felt like his talents would be better served playing elsewhere. And elsewhere was with Gene Chizik and the Tigers.
“It was more of a position change,” Grant said.
“When I was getting recruited (by Alabama), they were looking for more of a speed back. But as I got there, I really didn’t see where that was coming into play. So I thought it would be best if I just decided to transfer somewhere where I could use my ability.”
Due to the departure of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to Arkansas State, Grant will learn his third offense in as many seasons after Auburn hired Scot Loeffler away from Temple.
Loeffler’s offense will feature more smash-mouth football and will give the 5-11, 205-pound Grant an opportunity to showcase his talents, whether between the tackles or on the perimeter. In fact, Grant, who scored the first touchdown of the annual A-Day Game, said he likes running inside.
“Actually, a lot of people think I don’t, but I do,” Grant said. “I think coming out of high school everyone knows me as a speed back, but I’ve changed over the last two years. I like running inside and outside.”
With added bulk and his sub-4.3 speed, Grant should have a big role in Auburn’s new-look offense.
“I’m very happy with my decision (to leave Alabama),” he said.
