Could this Michigan football defensive lineman see action as a RB?

Originally posted on Blue By Ninety | By CJ Mangum | Last updated 11/12/23

For quite some time now, Michigan football defensive lineman Kenneth Grant, a true sophomore tackle, has been hailed as an athletic freak within the walls of Michigan’s Schembechler Hall. On Saturday, during the Wolverines’ impressive 24-15 win over Penn State in Happy Valley, Grant ran down one of the Nittany Lions’ All-Big Ten running backs from over ten yards out. Following the game, Sherrone Moore may have hinted at Grant potentially seeing some reps in a “heavy” running package on the offensive side of the football.

Michigan football defensive lineman Kenneth Grant has the size and speed… for a running back?

Sherrone Moore coached up one hell of a ball game against No. 10 Penn State yesterday, leading his Wolverines to a season-defining win in Happy Valley — Michigan’s second-straight win in Beaver Stadium.

A hint from Sherrone Moore

Following the win, Michael Barret Sr., the father of star linebacker Mike Barrett, asked a good question on Twitter: could we see Kenneth Grant as a running back in short-yardage downs?

He certainly has the size and speed needed to be an offensive threat, but there is no way that Sherrone Moore would consider this, right? Well, that may not be the case, as Moore followed up on Twitter by hinting at its possibility (below).

Hmmmmmmmm https://t.co/8rZQ9qsLaF

— Sherrone Moore (@Coach_SMoore) November 12, 2023

Grant flashes his speed against Penn State

Wondering why anyone would ask to put a 340-pound defensive tackle in the backfield behind an elite run-blocking Michigan football offensive line? Well, like I said, he’s got wheels, and the nation is taking note. Below is a clip from the Big Ten Network showcasing Grant’s speed against Penn State.

Michigan DT Kenneth Grant weighs 340 pounds.

Watch big No. 78 show off the wheels on this tackle from behind. @KennyGrant78 x @UMichFootball pic.twitter.com/nUjeq5sBv3

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 12, 2023

This weekend, when No. 3 Michigan football faces the unranked Maryland Terrapins in College Park, MD, keep an eye on Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines’ offense when Michigan gets into a short-yardage down. Maybe Moore is serious about using Kenneth Grant as a running back, or maybe he isn’t; regardless, it’s a lot of fun to think about.

This article first appeared on Blue By Ninety and was syndicated with permission.

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