Bluegrass ATH a rising star

One of the Bluegrass State’s rising juniors is a versatile three-sport star from Louisville’s Fairdale High School.

Maurice Grinter (6-3 ½, 220, 4.55) is a standout in football, basketball and track, but is poised for a breakout season on the gridiron this year.

“Maurice pretty much does it all for us,” Fairdale coach Mike Gossett said. “He’s such a versatile athlete, there’s really no position on the field that you couldn’t stick him in there and him not excel. He’s played quarterback, running back, wingback, receiver, linebacker and safety for us.

“He had been playing quarterback for us, but he was such a good runner that we switched him to running back. He wound up getting about 1,200 yards in the last five games. And on top of that, he’s always been a real good defensive back for us. He had nine interceptions last year. He only needs about three more to get in the state record book.”

As a senior, Grinter finished with 1,126 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing. He also had 480 yards passing. On the defensive side of the ball, he recorded 50 tackles and nine interceptions. His career interception total swelled to 16.

Outside linebacker or safety appear to be where he projects at the college level, although Gossett said he wouldn’t rule out running back or wide receiver depending on what Grinter shows as a senior.

“His timing and instincts on the defensive side of the ball are what makes him so good,” Gossett said. “He really reads plays well. He’s a smart kid with a good understanding of the game – maybe because he’s played all those other positions on offense – and he always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He’s got what I’d call a good ‘football IQ.’”

Grinter has picked up what should be the first of many scholarship offers this year.

“Kentucky has already offered Maurice a scholarship,” Gossett said. “They were the first ones to do that, so I’m sure that will be in the back of his mind as he goes through the recruiting process.

“He’s also hearing from Louisville, Purdue and Arkansas… a few others. People are just now starting to learn about him. I expect he’ll have all kinds of offers by the time we get into next season.”

Gossett said UK and UofL would be the likely favorites for Grinter, although he noted “it’s way too early to say with him. I don’t think he’ll be making an early commitment or anything.”