Kansas DE Grimes collects trio of awards
Sophomore named Best Defensive Player
Kansas football fans already knew they had something special in Greydon Grimes, but now the entire nation is on notice. The redshirt sophomore defensive end from China Spring, Texas, turned in a historic season that culminated in a trio of major awards: the Best Defensive Player Award, the Best Defensive End Award, and the prestigious Lombardi Award.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, Grimes was a terror for opposing offenses all season long, recording 13.5 sacks, 48 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His elite ability to jump the snap routinely disrupted game plans, and his relentless motor made him a nightmare for offensive linemen.
A Dominant Season on the Edge
Grimes' stats tell the story of a player who was constantly in the backfield. His 13.5 sacks ranked among the best in the nation, and his 25 tackles for loss showcased his ability to diagnose plays and wreak havoc behind the line of scrimmage. Whether it was collapsing the pocket or blowing up a run play, Grimes was seemingly everywhere at once.
"I’ve never coached a player quite like Greydon," Kansas head coach Jordan McAlary said. "His ability to anticipate the snap count and get into the backfield before the offensive line can react is something you just don’t see at this level. He’s a game-changer, plain and simple."
Elite Athleticism and Unmatched Work Ethic
What separates Grimes from other elite defensive ends is his uncanny ability to jump the snap. Defensive line coaches preach anticipation, but Grimes has turned it into an art form. Time and again, he exploded off the edge, leaving quarterbacks and offensive tackles scrambling.
But Grimes' success isn’t just about raw athleticism. His work ethic and football IQ have propelled him into elite company. Kansas defensive coordinator Chris Polizzi credited Grimes' preparation as a key factor in his success.
"He’s the first one in the film room and the last one to leave," Polizzi said. "Greydon studies tendencies and knows how to exploit them. He’s an absolute technician when it comes to pass rushing."
A Historic Night at the Awards
Grimes' stellar season was rewarded on college football’s biggest stage, as he swept the applicable defensive awards and became the first player in Kansas history to win the Lombardi Award, given annually to the best lineman or linebacker in college football. The honor cements Grimes' place among the nation’s best players and shines a spotlight on Kansas’ growing reputation as a program on the rise.
"I’m incredibly humbled to win these awards," Grimes said during his acceptance speech. "I want to thank my coaches, my teammates, and everyone at Kansas for believing in me. This wouldn’t have been possible without them."
Grimes' achievements are even more impressive when considering his journey to this point. Hailing from the small town of China Spring, Texas, he redshirted his freshman year and dedicated himself to refining his game. Now, as a redshirt sophomore, he’s the cornerstone of a Kansas defense that has turned heads across the country.
The Future is Bright
With two years of eligibility remaining, Grimes has the potential to solidify his status as one of the greatest defensive players in college football history. NFL scouts are already salivating at his combination of size, speed, and technical ability, and his stock could skyrocket if he decides to declare early for the draft.
But for now, Kansas fans can revel in the dominance of a player who has taken the Big 12 by storm and put the Jayhawks on the map.
"Greydon’s impact goes beyond just his numbers," McAlary said. "He’s a leader, a teammate, and someone who makes everyone around him better. We’re lucky to have him, and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next."
As the confetti settles and the accolades pour in, one thing is clear: Greydon Grimes isn’t just a star — he’s a legend in the making.
