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Cochran set to represent Princeton for final time before new challenge awaits at WVU

INSTITUTE, W.Va. — Princeton’s Grant Cochran rarely goes unnoticed.

Perhaps that has something to do with his 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame. Or perhaps it was more the result of Cochran’s prowess at quarterback, which combined with his impact on the Tigers’ basketball and baseball teams, helped him create an indelible mark on the school’s athletics programs.

This week, Cochran is representing PHS for the South Cardinals as one of two quarterback that will suit up for the squad in Saturday’s North-South Football Classic, scheduled for a noon kickoff at South Charleston High School.

“I really don’t have ulterior motives,” Cochran said. “I just want to have a fun time and compete to try and get a win.”

A record-setting signal-caller at Princeton, Cochran accepted a preferred walk-on spot to play at West Virginia starting in the fall. 

He will embark on a new journey at the next level after passing for 8,300 yards and 90 touchdowns as a Tiger. The Tigers’ all-time passing leader, Cochran threw for 29 touchdowns as a senior.

“It was really hard because how do you say no to going 15 minutes down the road to Concord, having everything paid for and get refunded, but it’s the Mountaineers and I had to take that chance,” Cochran said. “I wouldn’t go if they weren’t interested. They told me they’d been following me and that I could throw the ball. I just have to go up there and prove it.”

Cochran says his interest in WVU can be credited to his father Brian Cochran, a Grafton native and a sophomore on the Bearcats’ 1984 title-winning football team.

“He was up there by Morgantown and brought it here with him,” Cochran said. “I’ve been following them since.”

After his final time representing Princeton, Cochran hopes to conquer the challenges that await upon his arrival in Morgantown, which he estimates will be in late July or early August. 

Between his stature and arm strength, Cochran has strong starting points to show he belongs in college. Still, for a player that led the Tigers to the Class AAA playoffs each of the last three seasons, Cochran is well aware it will take more than that.

“I have the size, but it’s all in your head really. It’s a mental game,” he said. “You have to understand what they’re asking of you and fill that role. You have to be able to retain information and work at it every day so you can be the best quarterback they want you to be. Not necessarily what you’re good at it, but you have to be what they want you to be.”

Cochran, who also gave consideration to Charlotte, Ball State and Youngstown State, says he has no regrets about the recruiting process.

“I’m very thankful for how I was recruited and all the schools that gave me a chance,” Cochran said. “I did expect maybe a little bit more on the recruiting end, but in the end it worked out. I’m going where I wanted to go and it’s all fine for me.”





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