Why Jakeem Grant spoiled Texas Tech fans.

Oh Jakeem, possibly the most under viewed but most explosive player in college football. 4.10 40, moves that make you feel like you need to save up for some surgery , and one of the most humble guys I’ve ever met. He sits right up there with Wes Welker, Jace Amaro, and several other guys that are now household names.

While he was here, he completely spoiled us as fans. When he caught the ball on a screen 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage, on a 50 yard bomb, or on kickoff returns, the entire stadium held their collective breath. Whenever he had the rock, you expected him to make half the opposing team miss and put up 6 on the board, or at least come close.

I got the pleasure of meeting him at a Texas Tech basketball game, the one where we knocked off #3 Oklahoma with a packed and electric crowd (one of the best Tech athletic events that I have ever been to). After storming the court, which was amazing I might add, I spotted him out of the corner of my eye. My first impression of him without even talking to him yet was “wow, he looks a lot shorter in person”. I then proceeded to say the usual line of “Jakeem, nice to finally meet you boss, I’m a huge fan of yours”. Then after taking the usual selfie with the one and only Jakeem “The Dream” Grant, I began to have an actual conversation with him, instead of just being star struck.

For being one of the fastest guys in the world, he was incredibly humble. We talked about what it takes to succeed on the different levels of life, and how honored he was that he was able to bless this great university with his freakish talents (My words, not his). He referred to the bandanna that he wears during every Tech football game, saying,

“If you can dream it, and you work hard enough, and you never quit, and you believe in your heart that you can get there, then the only thing stopping you from where you want to be is you.”

Some might call that a cliche politician line, but that man truly believed that, and he lived his life based on that. He made the most of every opportunity that was given to him, and he certainly made the most of his time on the football field.

So with that being said, on behalf of the entire Red Raider fan base, we salute you, and we thank you.