You may hear several great things about Grambling State University but the greatest thing you will hear is the legacy of Eddie G. Robinson and his profound passion for the game of football. To Robinson, football was more than just a sport to pick and play… for him it was an opportunity to turn a boy into a man and he did just that. Retiring in 1997, Robinson left huge shoes to fill, but over 20 years later the job is getting done.
The recruitment process at Grambling is both fun and stressful. There are guys looking for offers, but the coaches here at Grambling are also looking for players who have the ability and drive to be more than just a football player on their team.
For Coach Michael Armstrong, who is the Director of Football Operations and the recruiting coordinator here at Grambling, when selecting the men they potentially would like to sign, he looks for academics, strength, dedication, competitiveness and the desire to want to be successful.
So far 25 of 27 guys who visited Grambling during recruitment have signed. That percentage speaks volumes about the program.
Coach Armstrong believes “to be a part of a football program like this is special, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity!”
As a recruiting ambassador for the football team, I was able to talk to a few of the players as well as form a relationship with some of the parents.
For Javon Carter and his mom, Grambling was just one of the Division I schools who offered Carter a chance to continue his football career. Although Carter received offers from schools like ULL and Lamar, he signed with Grambling.
When asked about his experience here, he said, “I love the environment and how everyone is a family.” He is looking forward to starting his freshman year in the fall and to make great memories on and off the field.
Carter’s mom, April Johnson, is an educator who says she is especially proud that her son will be attending Grambling. She said that her recruitment trip was “informative.”
“It also eased my spirit that he will be in good hands and there are people that will truly help him and guide him on being a man and successful.”
This upcoming fall season should be an easy win.