Kenneth Grant Jr. Declares for NFL Draft: A Look at His Journey and Impact
In the world of college football, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of Kenneth Grant Jr., the towering defensive lineman from Michigan. As the Wolverines’ standout player, Grant has been a pivotal force on the field, helping his team clinch a national title in 2023 and securing memorable victories over their fierce rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Now, as he sets his sights on the NFL, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation.
On Thursday, Grant made the announcement that he will forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft, sharing the news in a heartfelt social media post. According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Grant is ranked as the No. 19 overall prospect for the 2025 draft and is the No. 4 draft-eligible defensive tackle prospect. Standing at 6-3 and weighing 339 pounds, Grant’s physical presence on the field is undeniable.
Go Blue 4Lš pic.twitter.com/Z46HuY2wHN
ā Kenneth Grant (KG) ć½ļø (@KennyGrant78) December 26, 2024
Hailing from Gary, Indiana, Grant has been a cornerstone of Michigan’s defense, forming an exceptional interior line tandem with Mason Graham. Graham, who declared for the draft earlier this month, is also highly regarded, ranking No. 4 on Kiper’s Big Board. Together, they have been a formidable duo, with Grant leading Michigan with two fumble recoveries and ranking second on the team with five pass breakups. His stats also include 3.0 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3.0 quarterback hurries, earning him second-team All-Big Ten honors and third-team AP All-America honors.
One of Grant’s standout performances came during Michigan’s 13-10 upset win over Ohio State on November 30, where he recorded four tackles and an assisted tackle for loss. His ability to make game-changing plays was first evident in 2023 at Penn State, where he showcased his athleticism by tracking down running back Kaytron Allen on a breakaway. That season, Grant started five games for Michigan’s national championship-winning team, finishing with 29 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, 5 pass breakups, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery, again earning second-team All-Big Ten honors.
As Grant prepares to take the next step in his career, he joins a group of talented Wolverines declaring for the draft, including Graham, cornerback Will Johnson, and tight end Colston Loveland. Their decisions come ahead of Michigan’s upcoming ReliaQuest Bowl appearance against No. 11 Alabama on Tuesday in Tampa.
- Key Stats: 3.0 sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 quarterback hurries
- Honors: Second-team All-Big Ten, Third-team AP All-America
- Notable Game: 13-10 win over Ohio State with four tackles
As the NFL draft approaches, all eyes will be on Kenneth Grant Jr. to see how his college success translates to the professional stage. His journey from Gary, Indiana, to the heart of Michigan’s defense, and now to the brink of an NFL career, is a testament to his talent and determination. For Michigan fans, Grant’s legacy is already cemented, and they will undoubtedly be cheering him on as he embarks on this new chapter.
Originally Written by: Adam Rittenberg
