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High school hires former NFL player as head football coach 

Former NFL player Larry Grant, Jr. takes over program

Larry Grant, Jr.

Larry Grant, Jr.

– Paso Robles Joint Unified School District (PRJUSD) is proud to announce that former NFL player, Larry Grant, Jr., will be taking over as the new head varsity football coach for Paso Robles High School. Grant was unanimously approved by the PRJUSD Board of Trustees during Tuesday night’s meeting.

According to Jim Tressel, Grant’s former head coach at Ohio State University, “Larry Grant has a passion for the game of football and a true desire to make a difference in young people’s lives. Coach Grant will work night and day, and he, along with his team, will make a profound impact on the community.”

Grant is originally from Sacramento where he graduated from Foothill High School. He played football for the City College of San Francisco for two years and was named the 2005 National Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. He led his team to two straight trips to the Junior College National Championships. He also earned National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) AllAmerican, All-State, and All-Conference Honors.

Following a stellar junior college career, Grant earned a full athletic scholarship to Ohio State University where he played for legendary coach, Jim Tressel, who is still one of his mentors today. He was named to the All-Academic Big Ten team twice and also led The Buckeyes to two national championship game appearances. Of all his accomplishments, Grant says that his degree from “Thee Ohio State University” is his most prized possession.

Grant was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2008 NFL Draft. He signed with the St. Louis Rams in 2010 where he started as a linebacker. He returned to the 49ers in 2011 and played in two NFC Championship Games and the 2013 Super Bowl.

Grant’s former coaches all have the highest regard for him: Jimmy Collins, Head Football Coach City College of San Francisco: “Everything that a high school kid dreams of doing, Larry has done. He has competed twice in the Junior College National Championship, the National Championship while at Ohio State, and the Super Bowl. You will be hard pressed to find a more humble guy who has done that and lives to mentor kids.”

Mike Singletary, Former Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers: “Coach Grant is someone who really has a heart for kids. There’s a lot he can share with young people about life. He’s had some experiences that kids can benefit from, on and off the field. He was a tough, solid player whose desire to win and compete will carry over into coaching.”

George Rush, Retired City College of San Francisco and all-time winningest junior college coach in history: “Larry is a gentle warrior; strong and possessing a quiet strength. He has a lot to offer as a coach, a mentor, and a man. Excited to see him grow!”

On the hiring of Grant, PRHS Principal, Eric Martinez, said “We are excited to welcome Coach Larry Grant to PRHS as our new head varsity football coach. Through the interview process, we learned very quickly that Coach Grant brought a wealth of football knowledge to the table. What stood out the most to me was his high energy and passion for helping student-athletes succeed in the classroom, on the football field, and in their everyday lives.”

Grant is excited and ready to get started. He says, “I am honored and blessed to have the opportunity to coach for an outstanding school district and high school. I look forward to continuing the proud Bearcat traditions and helping to develop these young men to be the best students, athletes, and community members that they can be.”

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About the author: News Staff

The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.