By ANDREW FAISON/CORRESPONDENT
andrew.faison@yahoo.com

RICHMOND—Former Franklin receiver Justin Grant ran back the opening kickoff for 90 yards and a touchdown during the University of Richmond’s 46-7 rout of Virginia Military Institute on Sept. 15.

“With that play we blocked up front and he hit the seam and was gone,” said Dave Legg, special teams coordinator for Richmond. “I hope we have another one this week. We’ve worked real hard on it in practice and it played out exactly like we practiced. He has the speed. When we get him in the open, he’ll do good things with the ball.”

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound sophomore was a multi-sport standout at Franklin High and named First Team All District and All Region as a wide receiver, punt returner, tight end and defensive back in 2011. The son of Gloria Baker and Mike Grant, he received a five-year scholarship to play for the Spiders.

Franklin football coach Darren Parker was pleased to hear the news.

“He is representing Franklin as a whole — Franklin High School and Franklin football very well,” said Parker. “He is doing great both academically and on the field.”

On the season, Grant has returned four kicks for a total of 153 yards, with the 90-yard return being his longest. On the defensive side, he has had eight tackles with two being unassisted.

“We knew he would be a dynamic player on special teams, and he’s been doing great things for us at the safety position as well,” Legg said. “After the VMI game, he even told me, ‘I have the easy job, coach.’ He’s a pretty humble kid, down to earth.

The Spiders take on NCAA Football Championship Subdivision No. 4 ranked Old Dominion University at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at Robins Stadium in Richmond.