There simply was no denying Kenneth Grant.
The Merrillville senior dominated in all three phases of the game this season — offense, special teams and, especially, defense.
Grant, the 2021 Post-Tribune Football Defensive Player of the Year, prepared to close his career with the Pirates in that fashion.
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“It was probably my best season ever, just being able to get a really good work habit this summer and training with my guys to get the results I wanted and the whole team wanted this season,” the 6-foot-5, 340-pound defensive lineman said.
Grant, a Michigan recruit, was a centerpiece as Merrillville went undefeated in the regular season, winning the Duneland Athletic Conference title, and made its third straight semistate appearance. He had 38 tackles, with 14.5 for loss and a team-high 6.5 sacks, playing primarily at tackle/nose guard while routinely drawing double- and triple-teams. He also forced four fumbles and had one recovery.
“In Kenneth’s case, it’s a little less measurable because the position he plays isn’t necessarily a stats position,” Merrillville coach Brad Seiss said. “But when you look at what he did this year, we moved him around everywhere. … He goes out as being as impactful as it gets.”
A rare four-year starter for the Pirates on defense, Grant also started at left guard on offense for the first time this season. He blocked two punts — both against Andrean in the season opener, recovering one for a touchdown — four field goals and three extra points.
Grant put together his stellar season while dealing with tendinitis in his right foot. He played with a brace and has been wearing a walking boot away from the field.
“It’s nothing major,” Grant said.
Among Grant’s various responsibilities, the defensive side of the ball was where he really wowed and drew the attention of big-time college programs. He committed to Michigan, which had been considered the front-runner since the middle of the summer, on Sept. 28, and he signed his national letter of intent Wednesday, the first day of the early period.
As a freshman, Grant anticipates being a key contributor for Michigan, which will play Georgia in a College Football Playoff semifinal on Dec. 31.
“I feel like it’s a new beginning going to college,” Grant said. “It’s a celebration all around to college life.
“Just build off an already high empire. Our recruiting class is insane. Just seeing that (success) and seeing what we could do in the future, it’s exciting.”
Senior Lavarion Logan, Merrillville’s record-setting running back and an Illinois State recruit, saw Grant’s exploits up close. Logan referred to Grant as “my brother,” and the pair supported each other on and off the field, including during the recruiting process.
“I’m going to watch him on TV, he’ll watch me. We’ll watch each other,” Logan said. “I hope he succeeds at the next level, go hard at Michigan. I really appreciate all the things he taught me, conversations we had. Amazing. Great friend, great guy, great person.”