By Bryan Bloodworth
BLOOMINGTON – Grant Price started his football career as a center before moving to quarterback.
Today, the Normal Community High School senior finds himself in the center of attention after being named the 2016 WJBC/Ron Smith Printing Player of the Year.
PODCAST: Listen to complete interview here.
“It’s really honor,” said Price, who led the Ironmen to a 9-2 record and the school’s 21st playoff appearance. “We had an excellent year. We didn’t go as far as we would have liked, but we had an outstanding year. I love all my teammates and couldn’t have done it without those guys.”
Price completed 118 passes in 197 attempts for 1,832 yards and 18 touchdowns with only seven interceptions in 10 games. He also rushed for 673 yards on 130 carries and eight touchdowns.
“I don’t know if we favored the pass over the run,” Price continued. “It was more of a week-by-week thing. Some teams forced us to run the ball more and some teams really spread us out and forced us to throw it more.
“Having Varshaun (Dixon) back there to run the ball was a huge help and our offensive line and receivers were really talented. I can’t say enough about those guys. They work hard every day and are good guys away from the field too.”
Price started his career as a center and defensive end with the McLean County Cougars in youth football, not because he wanted to, but out of necessity.
“The weight limit was 75 pounds for skill players and I weighed 76 pounds with my cleats on, so I had to play the line,” added Price. “My first year, I was a center and defensive end. Then, I played running back the next two years before acclimating to the quarterback position.
“I’ve always been a quarterback at heart. My dad actually played quarterback in a semi-pro league, so I’ve always kind of wanted to emulate my dad and be like him.”
Price has decided against trying to play football in college.
“I suffered my second official concussion in the last playoff game,” said Price. “With all the stuff coming out about head injuries and wanting to preserve my body for the rest of my life, I’ve decided not to play anymore.”
Price, who has a 4.81 grade point average on a 5.0 scale, hopes to attend Ohio State and major in sports industry.
Price is the second NCHS player in the last two years to earn the award, which is in its 26th year.
“That tells you we have some awfully good kids in the program,” said NCHS coach Wes Temples. “We’re very fortunate to have high character kids and when you have those types of kids you’re able to win some games.”
Temples also said Price is the type of individual you want leading your team.
“He’s a good football player, but he’s an even better person,” added Temples. “He’s an exceptional student. He represents everything you want.
“You hope the young kids, who have been around him the last few years, see how he carries himself and how he did things because unfortunately it’s not that often you get somebody with the characteristics he has. It’s been a true treat for us.”
Bryan Bloodworth can be reached at [email protected]
