Whether it is catching passes, kicking field goals, or punting, Granville Anderson II does it all for the University Lab Cubs. At 5’10, 175 pounds, Anderson’s versatility sets himself apart from a lot of other players and brings an unique skillset that not a lot of athletic receivers possess considering that he not only made 1st Team All-District as a pass catcher, but also made 2nd Team All-District as a kicker/punter.
“I was glad to be able to contribute in multiple areas on the team and am looking to do the same this upcoming year. “
Anderson made All-District at three different positions and also while doing so, set a school single season receiving record with 60 catches for 611 yards and nine touchdowns. As a receiver, what sets the Cubs’ Renaissance Man apart is his technique and his route running ability.
“I take pride in my releases and ability to get off the line along with my route running. I am able to create separation off the line and win routes with my quick footwork. I also study a lot of film and can recognize different coverages and how to take advantage of them.”
Anderson especially likes running one specific route that is almost impossible to cover when the timing is just right.
“My favorite route is easily the comeback. I love using quick moves and accelerating to sell the go route then snapping it down to create great separation.”
Getting an advantage over opponents based on having quick releases and feet is equivalent to one of the best receivers in the entire NFL.
“I would say that I play a lot like Cooper Kupp. I have fast and quick releases to get off the line. I am a shifty and dangerous receiver in open space for any DB. I won’t always beat you with speed, but I will find ways to get open. I also have great hands and never drop balls thrown to me.”
One of the best examples of how dangerous Anderson can be as a pass catcher was in the Madison Prep game this past season when he had 15 catches for over 100 yards, but just like a lot of other players, Anderson just wants to win.
A year after winning a state championship, the Cubs came up a game short of reaching back to the state championship game when the team lost to the Dunham Tigers in a 35-28 classic finish. Coming up a game short of accomplishing back to back state championships was tough, but having a chance to go out this upcoming season on top just adds fuel to the fire for the 2023 season.
“It was very disappointing especially because we knew as a team that we were very capable of winning state. That loss has really helped us stay focused as we start our offseason workouts. We have been on task and very disciplined so far during your workouts. We don’t want what happened last season to ever happen again. We are going for state this year and we don’t plan on losing any games. We are definitely using that loss as motivation.”
He is also using this time to individually get better in order to set himself up positively in the recruiting rankings. As of now, the record setting U-High receiver has one offer from Grambling, but also has received interest from Tulane, Southern Miss, Columbia, Penn, Brown, Yale, and TCU. Although he is in a good spot currently, he has also shown that he is hungry to grow that list by improving even more on his game.
“I am currently focusing on gaining weight along with increasing my speed. I am on a meal plan and working to gain weight and strength. My goal is to be around 180 -185 pounds. I am working with trainers to increase my speed and gain muscle mass during the offseason and to improve my route running and football technique.”
Currently, Anderson runs a 4.69/40, bench presses 225 pounds, squats 330 pounds, and power cleans 225 pounds. Going to camps this offseason will help him improve on those numbers while going on recruiting visits will only help him in promoting his brand.
“I plan on going to camps and visits at schools that are showing interest and a few extras that I believe I would be a good fit for their program this summer to help get my name out there and hopefully pull in some more offers before my senior season starts. I will definitely be visiting Columbia, Tulane, and Southern Miss this summer as they have the most interest in me.”
What makes Anderson unique is that he is not your typical receiver as he is also one of the best kickers/punters in the state approaching the 2023 season. Last season, he converted 53 of 55 extra points/field goals while averaging 40 yards per punt. His kicking skills did not happen overnight as he is just as good of a soccer player as he is a football player.
“I play soccer and have been playing it my entire life also. I have been playing varsity soccer since 8th grade. I have made All-District all four years that I have played soccer including Offensive MVP for my school my freshman year.”
If the opportunity arises, Anderson would not count out kicking at the college level.
“I have been playing soccer my whole life so I always knew I could kick if I needed to and I did some kicking at my old school my freshman year. Now, this past year and my senior year, I will have had all the kicking responsibilities. I have a very strong leg and have put all of my kickoffs either inside the 10 or into the end zone. I am also averaging about 40 yards per punt. I wouldn’t mind kicking in college as well. It comes naturally to me.”
Being an overall athlete comes naturally for him as athleticism runs in the family. His dad ran track in college at Southern while his mom played basketball in college at Dillard. Like his parents before him, he wants nothing more to continue the family tradition of playing sports at the next level.
“I would be a great asset to any program because I am dedicated, determined, and know how to work hard. I am an excellent student with a 4.2GPA. I have a great understanding of the game and can break down film and defenses, and I’m a leader on and off the field. I will consider any school that wants me and my talents.”
As made famous in the T.V. show “Ted Lasso” by the popular character Dani Rojas, who said the popular quote “Football is Life,” that certainly can relate to U-High’s Granville Anderson.
“I have been playing football since I was 3 and I love playing it. I have dedicated my life to football training and working out everyday to get better in hope of pursuing my dream of playing in the NFL. Football is literally my life. Being able to compete and work together with my brothers as a team and win is a great feeling.”
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