By: Donald Hunt
PHILADELPHIA – The start of the college football season is just a few weeks away. There are several Philadelphia area football players getting ready for the opening kickoff.
Isaiah Grimes is certainly one of them. Grimes, a William Penn Charter product, is coming off an impressive freshman year at Georgetown University. The Hoyas’ sophomore tight end had 30 receptions for 266 yards and two touchdowns last season. Grimes, a 6-3, 215-pounder, should be a big part of the Georgetown offense following a great first season.
“I feel like I did some of the stuff I really wanted to do,” Grimes said. “I came in confident and ready to play right away. After having a year under my belt knowing the whole offense now from my freshman year and knowing what to do, playing tight end I could also play the slot if we need it and just knowing more so you can do more. I feel I took a step this year being like in tune to what I do.”
Georgetown University sophomore tight end, #97 Isaiah Grimes - Photo courtesy of Georgetown Athletics @GeorgetownHoyas
Grimes is looking forward to showcasing his receiving and pass blocking skills. He’s made some overall improvements in his game, which should help him play at a higher level.
“I think besides like getting faster and stronger,” he said. “I feel like I’ve become more fundamentally sound. I think I’ve gotten smarter. It’s a lot more things that I understand. It’s helping to make the game simple.”
Grimes played his high school football in the Inter-Ac League. The competition helped to prepare him for Georgetown and the level of play in the Patriot League.
“It’s a really good league,” Grimes said. “I saw that a lot my freshman year. It has a lot of competitive teams. I think the Inter-Ac League really prepared me for college football. In a way, the Patriot League is like the Inter-Ac League. You have to be consistent all year. You have to play your best each week.”
Grimes has a number of family members who make the trip from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. on Saturday afternoons to see him play for Georgetown.
Last season, Grimes had a chance to play against Penn at Franklin Field. He had a lot of people who came to see him play against the Quakers.
“My mom, cousins and aunts come a lot,” Grimes said. “My dad came to every game last year. My family gives me a great supporting cast. We played Penn last year. I had a good amount of people come and support me and watch me play. Some of them I hadn’t seen in years cam to watch me play football. People definitely make it down here and come to support me. It feels great.”
Touchdown pass from former Penn Charter QB Seamus McCain to WR Isaiah Grimes #9 during a 2022 Inter-Ac game against Episcopal Academy - PSD Video by Ethan Puth
Georgetown will host Davidson College on Saturday, Aug. 31 in its home opener. Grimes anticipates starting the season on a high note and looks forward to seeing some family members at his first game.