As Virginia Tech searches for talent in the Class of 2018, the Hokies are specifically looking for breakthrough talent at the running back position. Virginia Tech has evaluated and offered plenty of running backs, including Georgia-native Anthony Grant.
Grant is a 3-star running back from Buford High School in Buford, Ga. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound back holds offers from over a dozen Power 5 programs, including North Carolina, Tennessee, NC State, Georgia Tech, Florida and Louisville.
Out of all the running backs I’ve evaluated in the Class of 2018 that Virginia Tech has offered, Grant is my favorite. Watch some highlights and see why.
Grant doesn’t have ideal size, and his film includes no highlights of pass blocking, but he does just about everything else. He shows great speed and runs away from defenders consistently once he gets into the secondary. Grant returns both kicks and punts for Buford, which tells me he was one of the best athletes on the team. His cuts are sharp, he shows good balance and vision, and he hits the hole hard. Grant can shake defenders in the second level and runs with good pad level, and can even truck smaller defenders.
He also shows the ability to catch out of the backfield, turn up field, and make plays. He could use more experience there, but it looks like Grant can be a receiving threat out of the backfield. Grant has a great offer list, and to my eyes he’s a 4-star talent.
Fortunately for Virginia Tech, the Hokies are in good position with Grant. He has already narrowed down his list to three schools — Virginia Tech, Tennessee and North Carolina. Grant visited campus last weekend, and it seems like he enjoyed it.
Vick!!! pic.twitter.com/LXbwLdWHZi
— AG🥀 (@anthonygrant204) June 3, 2017
Grant would be a great pull for Virginia Tech. With no running backs committed at this point, it wouldn’t surprise me if Grant is a priority for the Hokies.
Virginia Tech has offered over a dozen running backs in the Class of 2018, few of whom are as talented as Grant. Nonetheless, the Hokies will likely need at least two running backs in this class in order to keep up their numbers.
Trent Pennix has favored Virginia Tech for a couple of months now, and the Hokies also sit well with Mataeo Durant. In-state running back Ronnie Walker is interested in Virginia Tech and Florida back Caleb Steward is supposed to be visiting sometime this summer. Mychale Salahuddin is still the No. 1 running back left on the board, but it is unclear if the interest in mutual at this point. Marcus Caldwell also holds the Hokies in high regard.
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I am far, far from being a talent scout but Grant seems to get to top speed in one or two steps.
He does have good acceleration. Just like his whole running style, honestly.