Bishop Gorman tight end ranked best in nation

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Wednesday, March 11, 2009 | 2:28 p.m.

Grimble

Bishop Gorman junior football player Xavier Grimble is the best tight end in the nation.

Recruiting Web site Rivals.com today announced its initial rankings for the class of 2010 and lists the 6-foot-6, 245-pound Grimble as the best tight end prospect nationally.

Overall, he is ranked No. 39 on the top 100 list and received four out of five stars on the site's evaluating system.

"I am happy but not satisfied," Grimble said. "The rankings are just that, a ranking. It doesn't change my focus of trying to get ready for my senior year."

Grimble, who caught 13 passes for 308 yards and four touchdowns last fall, already has a long list of scholarship offers from top college programs. He has been offered by Oklahoma, Southern California, Florida, UCLA, Florida State, Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, Duke and UNLV.

He will attend the spring game at Oklahoma and Southern California in April. He will also visit Florida this summer.

"At first, when the process started, it was kind of fun," Grimble said. "But as my name got bigger, it became a little overwhelming. I am still enjoying it."

Grimble said there is no front runner for his services, but Southern California is one of his favorite teams. Also, he is attending the Oklahoma spring game with Gorman senior Justin Chaisson, who signed with Oklahoma in February.

Grimble said he met with new Gorman coach Tony Sanchez this afternoon and is excited about his role as a pass-catching tight end in Sanchez's pro-style offense. Sanchez, who coached the past five years at California High in San Ramon, Calif., was hired Tuesday.

"He seems like a real cool guy," Grimble said. "I'm excited for him to be our coach and to work in his offense."

Grimble also plays forward on Gorman's basketball team, which captured the large-school state title two weeks ago. He won another state crown with the football team as a sophomore in 2007.

He will continue to play basketball in the offseason and during his senior year.

"Basketball makes me a better football player, especially with my size," he said. "It keeps my feet and hands quick."

Gorman basketball coach Grant Rice said Grimble is a special athlete.

"The sky is the limit for him without a doubt," Rice said. "He can really move for someone with his size. He got up and down the court with our guards on the break."

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or ray.brewer@hbcpub.com.