Fifth Down: Doran Grant
Sophomore cornerback earns his first career start and comes through
Fifth Down is a series at BuckeyeNation where we chat with impact players in Ohio State athletics.
Doran Grant will likely never forget Saturday's 29-15 win over UAB. Pressed into a starting role, the sophomore recorded seven tackles, one sack, recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass to keep the Buckeyes afloat in the secondary.
But that's something the 5-foot-11, 188-pound cornerback has been doing for quite some time.
Named to the Under Armour, Ohio North-South and Big 33 all-star games, Grant was also a state champion in the 110-meter hurdles (outdoor) and 60-meter hurdles (indoor).
BN: What did it mean to get that start against UAB on Saturday?
Grant: It was my chance to show the coaches and Buckeye Nation what I could do, but I had a lot of support from Travis [Howard] and Bradley [Roby].
BN: What has Roby taught you in your time here?
Grant: Ever since I stepped in, it's been very positive. He's been like a big brother. He and Travis, I appreciate and love them both.
BN: You played in the same area with teammate Christian Bryant growing up, tell me about that bond?
Grant: Me and Christian ran track together, I knew him growing up through sports. We just love and respect each other.
BN: Who was faster?
Grant:Honestly, Christian was faster when we were younger, but I think I can get him right now.
BN: How long have you been waiting for a moment like that with the interception?
Grant: I've wanted it since I stepped on campus. It was very exciting, especially when the older guys came to me and congratulated me.
BN: How much have you grown as a player since you've been here?
Grant: I feel like I've grown a lot. The game and how you see it is way different than high school. I think that was the biggest part. Winter conditioning and film has helped me with that. It's the knowledge of the game, the game speed and understanding what I have to do when I'm on the field.
BN: How about patience -- how difficult has it been for you to wait before you can come out and make plays like you did against UAB?
Grant: I do what I have to do. It's like Coach [Luke] Fickell and Coach [Mike] Vrabel say, 'Make the play when it comes your way.' I try to make the play all the time.
BN: How much have you grown under Urban Meyer?
Grant: A lot. He's way more than a coach. Some people might think he's crazy, but that's just enthusiasm. That's what you need for Ohio State football.
BN: How much different is the game speed at the college level?
Grant: Last year, I thought it was way faster than high school, but as I grew as a player and understood things, it wasn't as fast as I thought it would be.
- Reporter for BuckeyeNation
- Covers Ohio State recruiting
- Joined ESPN in 2012
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