Hutchinson High School (Ks) star Geneo Grissom became the first 2010 in state recruit to make the decision to head to be a Kansas Jayhawk the other day. Tonight, TheShiver.com caught a few minutes with Hutchinson Head Coach Randy Dreiling, and his defensive star as they are at their team camp in Pittsburg, Kansas preparing for their upcoming season.
At 6′4″ 230 pounds, Grissom has grown into being one of the best defensive prospects in the state. According to Grissom, his size wasn’t always a factor.
“I used to play running back, and was good,” Grissom said. “This is all before I was like 5′1″. I used to be a small guy. Then I started growing, switched to tight end, and then later defensive end,” added Grissom.
It’s at defensive end that Grissom has made his mark on the field. His size alone is intimidating at first glance, add that to his on the field ability, and Grissom can look unstoppable.
“I like to think I’m pretty explosive off the line. I’m a good pass rusher and a good run stopper,” Grissom said of his game. “I really like the feeling you get when you and another player collide and you get that head rush,” added Grissom.
According to Grissom’s coach, Randy Dreiling, Grissom has put in the work necessary to get to where he is.
“He has worked hard,” Dreiling said. His quickness is better, his 40 is better. He is very long, has great extension, and his agility is improved too,” added Dreiling of Grissom.
As far as ending his recruitment and choosing Kansas, Grissom sounded as if his comfort level with the Jayhawk program was just too good to pass up.
“I did a lot of research, but I just think I fit into their (KU) system. I like the coaches, the facilities are great, close to home, and just a good fit,” Grissom said of Kansas.
The city of Lawrence seemed to have made an impression on Grissom as well.
“Seems like a good place, a good town,” said Grissom. “It just feels right,” added Grissom on Lawrence.
Kansas C0-Defensive Coordinator, and former Hutchinson player Bill Miller, was the recruiter for Grissom. As it turns out, being from the same place might have been a big plus in this recruitment.
“I felt like I could relate to Coach Miller,” Grissom said of Coach Miller being from Hutchinson. “His home turf is my home turf,” added Grissom.
Originally born in Colorado, Grissom then moved to Lyons, Kansas before heading for Hutchinson in 7th grade. Now headed into his senior year of high school, Grissom is looking to add to his ring collection by winning a 3rd state title with his teammates.
“Pretty sure we are going to do it again,” Grissom said of winning another state title.
One way to help that cause, is by working hard throughout the summer to get better. That’s exactly what Grissom has been doing, and plans to continue doing throughout the summer.
“Just continue lifting and working out,” Grissom said. “I am going to try to get to some camps this summer, but we’ll see,” Grissom added.
Coach Dreiling certainly didn’t have a lack of great things to say about his star defensive lineman, but according to Grissom, there is one part of his game he can continue to improve.
“Footwork,” Grissom responded. “I wear a size 17 shoe, so footwork isn’t exactly my cup of tea. Sometimes they can get in the way,” added Grissom of his size 17 feet.
Grissom mentioned Oklahoma, Colorado State, Michigan, Kansas State, Nebraska, Alabama, Colorado, and Oklahoma State as some of the programs that he ultimately chose the Jayhawks over.
