Grady lands his first scholarship offer

One of the top signal callers in the Tampa Bay area is Joshua Grady from Seffner Armwood High School. Grady, 6-1 and 182 pounds, was 180 for 295 for 3,065 yards passing yards, 28 touchdowns and only three interceptions back in 2009. He also rushed for 586 rushing yards and eight scores.

"I have the intangibles to be a very good quarterback," Grady said. "I will will my team to win. I will outwork everyone and outperform everyone when necessary."

Last season was Grady's first at Armwood. He transferred from Freedom High School, knowing he was going to one of the top programs in the entire state of Florida. Grady still knew it would still be a difficult transition.

"I had to work my way in because they (my teammates) didn't respect me, especially the guys on defense. I had to earn it day by day. I think I had their respect by middle of the season.

"Now it's year two and I want to establish myself as one of the best quarterbacks in Hillsborough County. I want to lead my team to a state title. We lost to Dwyer last season 41-15 and that game showed me a lot. I knew I had to get better in a lot of areas, especially my footwork and getting rid of the ball quicker. I got away with a lot of stuff last year but playing Dwyer was a reality check. They showed me how much better I need to be. We have a young team and 17 starters returning. Anything less than 15-0 will be a disappointment."

One of those younger players is rising junior running back Matt Jones, who regardless of class year happens to be one of the state's very best prospects.

"Matt Jones is great and it helps me and our passing offense that he's back there to run the ball. Once we get off the bus teams want to stop him because they are so worried about him."

Last week Grady received his first scholarship offer. He knows there are many more on the way.

"Western Kentucky offered me two or three days ago. Until you get that first one you question whether you are ready for college ball. Now that I have that first one it's a relief. Hopefully more will follow. I know teams like Michigan and Georgia Tech are recruiting me and just need to evaluate me before they offer. North Carolina, Wake Forest, Purdue, and USF are also recruiting me hard. I hope to have three of four more offers in May."

Grady has taken unofficial visits to UNC and USF. He is planning on going to Georgia Tech for a junior day next month and plans on visiting Purdue and Wake Forest over the summer.

"Right now I have no favorites. I am just open with whole process and want to see what happens. Above anything to me academics is most important. That's the key. Football wise I am looking at tradition, a good community and a program that just has everything."