During the summer, ESPN.com is taking a closer look at each scholarship player on the Oklahoma Sooners' roster in our Crimson Countdown series. Each day, we analyze each player’s impact on the program since arriving on campus, his potential impact this fall, and his long-term projection. Starting with No. 1 Dominique Alexander, the series follows the roster numerically through No. 98 Chuka Ndulue.
No. 76 Sam Grant, tackle, 6-foot-7, 281 pounds, sophomore
Impact thus far: None. Grant shifted to tackle during the spring of 2014 after lining up at tight end during his first two years on campus. He redshirted in 2012 and didn’t play in 2013.
Impact in 2014: Grant’s best case scenario is to provide depth behind starters Tyrus Thompson and Daryl Williams this fall. The Sooners could have an deep group at tackle with Josiah St. John, Christian Daimler and the freshman also in the mix at the position.
Long-term upside: Even when he was lining up at tight end, blocking has always been Grant’s strength. His length and physical mindset could make him an asset at the position but he will have plenty of competition at the spot and will kind of be behind the eight ball as a guy at a new position.
Evaluation grade for Grant: C. Even though he has never played in a game despite being on campus for two years, Grant could end up being a terrific evaluation as he looked like a tight end who projected to tackle when the Sooners signed him. They gave him the chance to play tight end initially then he made the move to tackle after the 2013 season and his potential at tackle is much higher than at tight end.
Development grade for Grant: B. Outside of just throwing Grant onto the field in short yardage or special teams to get his feet wet in 2013, there’s not much else to ask from the Sooners.
