SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — South Charleston senior quarterback Kentre Grier has been looking ahead to his college future after signing this month with North Carolina A&T, an FCS D-I program.
It’s was a long process, but one that Grier felt good about on signing day.
“It was really exciting and I had a lot of emotions,” Grier said. “My first offer came in from VMI and then North Carolina A&T came into the picture. When I went to their campus, I really liked it. The facilities were great. It was definitely a weight off of my shoulders, just to know where I’m going for the next four years or so. It’s a big relief.”
And the 6-foot-3, 175 pound standout will be moving on after leaving behind his mark not only at South Charleston High School, but on high school football in the Mountain State overall.
As a junior, Grier put together one of the best statistical seasons in the state’s history, combining for over 4,614 yards and 60 total touchdowns (3,553 yards passing and 1,061 yards rushing) in a state runner-up finish for the Black Eagles. He earned multiple postseason awards in 2014, including the MetroNews Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year.
Injuries plagued the Black Eagles’ receiving core in 2015, but Grier still delivered another top notch season, building a new chemistry with a group of younger receivers. He finished his senior year with 2,001 passing yards, a 72 percent completion percentage, 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions. He also added 1,010 rushing yards and 11 more scores on the ground as South Charleston advanced to the quarterfinal round of the playoffs.
“From my freshman year, I kept getting better every year,” Grier said. “Once my senior year came, I felt like we were going to be one of the top teams in the state. But with the injuries and all of the new players we had to throw in, it didn’t happen like that.
“We had a lot of ups and downs, but ultimately, I think that I became a better leader (this past year),” he continued. “While the year didn’t go as I planned, it was still a success because I’m better as a player and helped better the players around me.”
And looking to the future for South Charleston at quarterback, Grier helped bring along rising sophomore Bryce Damous.
“(Damous) was the second string quarterback behind me,” Grier said. “Whenever I would do something, (Coach Mays) would be in his ear to tell him why. Then after practice, Bryce and I would throw routes with some of the new receivers we were trying to work in – I would tell him certain concepts of the offense. He will be a good player and will (get more) confidence. If he just follows what (Coach Mays) says and makes sure he leads the team, I think he’ll be alright.”
The future is bright for Grier, as well, who was the only quarterback to sign with North Carolina A&T in this year’s class.
“That just showed me that they were really serious about me and that they really wanted me,” Grier said. “(The coaching staff) told me that they had another QB coming the weekend after (I visited). But he told me if I committed, then it would be me. So, I didn’t take too much time to think about, because I knew what I wanted to do.”
Grier is one of three players from West Virginia who signed with North Carolina A&T, joining Wheeling Park receiver Elijah Bell and running back Savion Johnson.
“I remember playing Savion Johnson my sophomore year and he was really strong then. This past year, it looked like he was five times better,” Grier said. “Elijah Bell was definitely the best athlete in the state (this past year). Having to guard him (as a defensive back) in man-coverage was a nightmare. I can’t wait to be throwing to him and seeing Savion (Johnson) running the ball.”
The full interview with Grier is posted at the top of the page.