St. Vincent-St. Mary's Doran Grant

After wading through nearly three dozen prospective schools - all vying for his gridiron talents - one of the most sought after high school football prospects, St. Vincent-St. Mary's Doran Grant, still has to chop a list that he has already narrow to just ten universities.  Over the next several weeks Grant expects to cut the list in half; a difficult decision, considering the schools in play - all major powerhouse football programs with a lot to offer any player.

Doran Grant Akron St Vincent St Mary Highlight Film

By Steve Patterson

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound corner back and wide receiver has had an impressive high school career to say the least.  Grant finished his junior year season with an 40 tackles as well as two blocked field goals and one interception.  On offense, rant racked up 33 catches for a total of 688-yards as well as seven touchdowns.

So, it is not surprising that several of the countries top  schools are still working hard to get him; schools that include Ohio State and Cincinnati, Michigan as well as Michigan State, Penn State, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, UCLA and USC.  But of those, it would seem that the Ohio State Buckeyes appear to be the top contender at this point as far as Grant is concerned.

And Ohio State is making a point of playing on the young star's "leanings" - saying that the Buckeyes plan to keep up their pursuit of the Grant and to simply remain in recruitment mode in an effort to bring Grant on board until Grant signs or time runs out. 

Considering the prestige and size of the programs of all of the schools still in the running, what seems to make Ohio State rise above the rest of the pack?  It could be as simple has proximity.  The proximity of Ohio State to Grant's home seems to be a major factor for Grant, though his father, Ted Jones, has offered his own advice.

He has reportedly told Grant that proximity is not the best factor to consider but rather, playing time and his son's overall education should weigh heavy in Grant's consideration - with education carrying an extremely important role in the young man's decision.

Jones has said that he is , as any father would, offering his advice and reminding his son that while playing time and how well he is being treated do make a difference, it is the education that Grant will receive that is the most important factor in the equation.