Will Grier prepared for Heisman Trophy campaign, which starts with opener vs. Tennessee
By Jake Rill
Published:
Will Grier transferred from Florida to West Virginia and had a breakout season in 2017. Now, the Mountaineers quarterback is prepared to begin his bid to win a Heisman Trophy in his final college season.
When Grier takes the field in Charlotte to face Tennessee to open the 2018 season on Sept. 1, he’ll be looking to carry over momentum from last year. And his coach certainly isn’t shying away from the idea that the redshirt senior quarterback could contend for the Heisman Trophy.
“I would never approve a campaign unless I felt like a player could handle it … he’s ready for this,” West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen said at Big 12 Media Days on Tuesday. “He’s a very older, mature coach’s kid. … He’s ready for this. He’s prepared himself his whole life for this.”
Grier passed for 1,204 yards and 10 touchdowns with Florida in 2015, his only action while playing for the Gators. After having to sit out the 2016 season, Grier passed for 3,490 yards and 34 touchdowns last year.
Grier’s Heisman campaign will begin against an SEC defense that is getting revamped after bringing in new leadership since last season. Former Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt has taken over as coach at Tennessee. The Vols and Mountaineers will be playing at a neutral site — Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
Tennessee is the only SEC team that will face Grier’s West Virginia squad during the regular season.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
