Interview: Record Setting 2019 Texas QB Grant Gunnell has 18 Offers and Counting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

If there ever was a reason on the gridiron for a triumphant primal scream or the literary barbaric yawp, Grant Gunnell may have recreated that moment 71 times during the 2016 season. The Class of 2019 gunslinger stood tall in the pocket for St. Pius X High School last season rolling over opposing Texas competition along the way.

Prolific might be an understatement in regards to Gunnell’s playmaking abilities on the field. The rise to unbelievable heights had a solid beginning hitting 96-of-158 passes for 1,438 yards with 16 touchdowns against just four interceptions in 10 games played as a freshman. The 2015 season saw a split on snaps for Gunnell with then- senior Clay Roberts with the duo helping the Panthers to a 10-3 season.

Hopes were high for the Houston area team heading into the 2016 schedule. All wanted to see what the 6-5, 205 pound, talent could do with a full season at the helm. Gunnell amazed all completing 271-of-387 pass attempts for 4,970 yards with 71 touchdowns against 11 picks. The rising star has another element to his game, keeping plays alive with his feet. During his freshman season he ran for 305 yards with seven touchdowns and then covered 373 yards on the ground in 2016 with five more scores posted on the board.

Gunnell’s production has been quickly noted by college football coaches from across the country. Thus far, 18 offers have been dropped on the table with the list of hopeful schools wanting to be his program of choice being Texas A&M, Florida State, Nebraska, Arkansas, LSU, Missouri, Indiana, TCU, North Carolina, Louisville, Georgia, Arizona State, Baylor, Texas State, Northwestern, TCU, and Oklahoma State.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the most dynamic high school quarterbacks in the nation covering his sophomore season, off-season plans, and recruiting process.

Interview

Grant, what type of offense does St. Pius run?

“We run a spread mostly. We do some under center plays but not much.”

How does the offense suit your skill set?

“It fits me perfectly. I can drop back and survey the field or run if I need to. I’m not clod-footed I can run when I have to.”

How many records did you set during your sophomore season throwing for 4,970 yards with 71 touchdowns?

“I broke the sophomore passing record for touchdowns and passing yards in Texas.”

The Panthers rolled through the season with an 11-0 record until meeting Bishop Dunne in the playoffs (lost 21-18). How has the Bishop Dunne game served as motivation for you so far during the off-season?

“We fell short of what we wanted. We wanted to get to the championship game. That was our goal. The loss will serve as motivation for us to work harder this off-season.”

How did the 2016 season shape you as a quarterback?

“It actually built my confidence. Coming off my freshman season, I worked hard work and all of that hard work paid off. I’m not near my full potential. I’m going to keep working hard and get better.”

You have your top two receivers back Bryson Jackson (69/1,607/21) and Jacob Jefferson (70/1,274/15), how are the three of you working together to improve upon the amazing season and chemistry you had in 2016?

“We try to throw routes as much as we can. We are working hard on getting faster and stronger as a team. We have another receiver coming in, Chase Lane (Class of 2019, 6-1, 165). He was at College Park (Woodlands, TX) last season. With him coming in, he is as fast as Bryson, our receiver unit should be unreal. With Bryson, Chase, and JJ…”

*Chase Lane had a team-high 42 receptions, 415 yards, and three receiving touchdowns in 2016.

What areas of your game are you focused on improving this off-season?

“Definitely my footwork. I’m working on getting bigger and stronger. I’m also working on my progressions and timing with my receivers.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“Texas. They just started talking to me a lot. Auburn’s new offensive coordinator offered me when he was at Arizona State. I’m not sure if that offer will transfer over.”

How many offers do you have?

“I have 18 offers.”

Of the 18 schools to offer you, are there any that are in a little bit more contact with you over the others?

“All of them are in contact. There are a few I have not talked to much lately. I would say A&M, Oklahoma State, Florida State, and Georgia might be the main ones. LSU has just started contacting me more with their new offensive coordinator, Coach (Matt) Canada. Those are the schools I can think of off the top of my head.”

Did you take any visits during the season last year?

“Yes, sir. I went to Texas A&M, Texas, and Oklahoma State.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“I’m going to LSU. I am attending the Nike New Orleans Regional. I will visit LSU then. I am going to Nebraska for their spring game and Florida State this summer. I plan on setting up a few more.”

You mentioned the Nike Regional, do you have plans to attend any other camps?

“I have been invited to the Rivals and Under Armour camps. I will probably make it to both of those camps.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.7.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math is right now.”

Last question. From all of the visits you have taken so far, what have you learn from those college visits about the game at the next level?

“It seems more like a job. The high school game is more about having fun.”

Well said. Grant, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: chron.com; No. 7 Grant Gunnell drops back to pass (2016).

Photo credit: chron.com; No. 7 Grant Gunnell finds running room (2016).

Photo credit: Gunnell family; Grant Gunnell with Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin.