Interview: 5-Star 2021 Virginia CB Tony Grimes Is Impressive On and Off The Field

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

If the five-star status for Class of 2021 cornerback Tony Grimes is not a big enough statement as to his skills on the gridiron, perhaps his 25 scholarship offers helps create the scene. The 6-0, 180-pound, Princess Anne High School cover corner is the pantomime to opposing Virginia receiver following stride for stride creating the proverbial island. During his sophomore campaign, he picked off four passes earning first team All-Beach and All-Region Defensive Back and second team All-Tidewater Defensive Back honors. For all the taking of plays Grimes does on the field, he gives back in a special way to his community making him a unique student-athlete in more ways than one.

I caught up with Grimes after a session of reading books to kids to learn more about his game on the field and the impressive young man off of it.

Interview

Tony, before we talk about your crazy glue cover skills, I have to ask you about the 20-yard touchdown run that probably covered 100 yards going from one side of the field back to the other. Those plays do not typically work out but yours did. What was going through your mind on that play?

“I knew I had to score. The game was too close, we needed the score to win. I was running to the right, saw the open hole, cut-back and scored.”

As a two-way player, how did you keep up your stamina throughout the season covering as much ground as you did guarding receivers and running past defenses?

“Practice. Last year we did a lot of running. Our team did not have a lot of depth, most of us had to play both sides of the ball. We did a lot of running in practice to prepare for the games.”

With your defensive skills, was there a point in the season when quarterbacks stopped throwing your way?

“Oh yes. A lot of quarterbacks would not come my way. I had coach send me on a blitz once in a while because they were not throwing to my side. When they did throw my way, I deflected it.”

You come up to stuff the run, what are some of the other strengths to your game as a corner?

“I can disguise my coverage. I can use my hands and my feet to guard a receiver. My hips are good in transitioning out of my breaks.”

As a running back, how did you see your game improve throughout the 2018 season?

“It improved a lot. I played running back in middle school. When I was little, I wanted to be a running back but that changed over time. I had more rushing touchdowns thanks to my amazing offensive line.”

What are you working on with your game as a corner this offseason?

“I am working on some man scheme coverages and practicing my technique until it becomes more natural.”

What about as a running back?

“I am working on getting skinny through the holes and taking on hits driving my feet through contact for extra yards.”

Where all might you play on the field in 2019?

“We have a new head coach. He is putting in a great scheme. I know I will be playing more than one position, probably the same as last year and maybe some at Wildcat.”

Are you attending any national camps or combines this offseason?

“Yes. Next month I am going to a Nike Opening Regional, an Adidas Three-Stripe Camp, and an Under Armour All-American Camp.”

With all the questions so far, we have not talked about your speed yet. What is the fastest timed run you’ve posted?

“I have never run a 40-yard dash but I competed in indoor track in the 55 and 300. I posted a low 36 in the 300 and a 6.66 in the 55.”

Nice. You are a hit on the recruiting trail. How many offers do you have now?

“I have 25 offers.”

Which programs were the last couple to offer?

“North Carolina and Florida.”

Grimes’ Offer Sheet (25): Alabama, Auburn, Buffalo, Charlette, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Rutgers, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, TCU, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and William and Mary

Are there any schools showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Ohio State.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I went to Maryland last weekend. It was fun, we saw one of their basketball games. I also visited Liberty with some of my teammates.”

How did the Maryland visit go overall?

“It was amazing. They really showed me and Myles Alston mad love. I like what Coach (Mike) Locksley is doing at Maryland. I can’t wait to see what they do next year. They have a great staff there. My dad has been talking to Coach (Cory) Robinson (corners) since he was at Rutgers. They have a very good connection.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“Next week I am going to Florida or Oklahoma. If I go to Oklahoma then I am also going to TCU. Next is Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame and South Carolina.”

You’ll be busy. There is no preparation for what you are going through with recruiting. When all the offers and recruiting attention started rolling in, how have you handled it all?

“I feel I have handled it well. Since middle school, my dad has prepared me for this. I have stayed humble. I am truly blessed. A lot of it is the hard work I put in when no one is looking.”

When you want to unplug from football and social media, what do you do for fun?

“I have my own thing going called Provisions for the Season. Each season I do something with the homeless. Now we are giving out sleeping bags and covers for the homeless.”

Impressive. Tony, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Grimes family; Tony Grimes at Maryland