Jakeem Grant: Top Ten Plays at Texas Tech

Nov 14, 2015; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Jakeem Grant (11) reverses field against the Kansas State Wildcats in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

No. 8 – Grant jukes out the Texas State defense

When Texas Tech traveled to San Marcos to take on the Texas State Bobcats in 2012, there was sufficient hype for the home team as they opened a new stadium. Yet the Red Raiders made easy work of the home team jumping out to a 21-0 lead and cruising to a 58-10 victory.

The third touchdown in the 21-point first quarter was the result of a classic Jakeem Grant catch and run. With the ball on the 46, Grant caught a 5-yard drag route and was immediately confronted by two defenders. As if someone was controlling Grant in a video game, he juked both defenders leaving them staring at where he had been as if they had seen a ghost.

Next, with the twitch of his shoulders and a swivel of his hips he left a safety diving at air.

Then, at the 21-yard line Grant shoved aside a defender that was being blocked. This move was less about making the defender miss (he was soon to be taken to the ground by the blocker), rather it was more about Grant using the two players to help him regain his balance. Not many players have instincts like that.

Finally, the play ended when Grant absorbed contact from a diving defender inside the 5-yard-line and jumped into the end zone for what appeared to be a score. However, the contact was just enough to force Grant to step out of bounds at the 4-yard-line.

Although he didn’t score, Grant set up Texas Tech to go ahead by three touchdowns and squash any hope the Bobcats had of pulling the massive upset.

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