On second-and-12 in the third quarter from the Kansas 34-yard line in Lawrence, then-University of Cincinnati Bearcats football quarterback Brendan Sorsby found backup tight end Gavin Grover on a 4-yard pass.
Suddenly, the proverbial “red sea” parted at David Booth Memorial Stadium as the 6-foot-6 Grover started galloping for his first collegiate touchdown. The only issue is that he was caught from behind after 33 yards, one yard shy of the goal line.
UC then couldn’t pound it in from the 1-yard line and had to settle for a field goal for a 30-27 lead over the Jayhawks. Eventually, the Bearcats would rally for a 37-34 victory late in the final quarter.
Grover finished with as many receptions as starter Joe Royer that day but minus the glory of a touchdown.
That was last Sept. 27. Now, as the veteran tight end of the room with Royer heading for the NFL Draft, Grover is on a mission to find the end zone.
“That’s been talked about a lot,” Grover said. “That’s what motivates me in the weight room every day, to get that extra rep and push the guys next to me. When that moment comes next, I’ll be prepared for it. I’ll be able to make that play.”
As it was also Grover’s first career reception, he says he kind of “blacked out” as he was trying to haul the ball to the end zone.
Who is UC tight end Gavin Grover?
Grover committed to the Bearcats after the 2023 spring game at least 25 pounds ago. Looking like a basketball player then (as he was), he’s now up to 255 pounds and physical. He played in all 12 games as a true freshman and in all 13 last year as a sophomore, catching four passes for 58 yards, the longest being the would-be touchdown at Kansas.
“He’s played a lot of meaningful snaps since he was here,” UC tight ends coach Josh Stepp said. “He played over 250 snaps as a true freshman. He’s done a great job leading this group. This is a young group but a very talented group.”
Grover hauled in many prep passes
At Lewis Center Olentangy High, Grover had 105 career receptions for 1,212 yards. Many of those came in a breakout senior year, when he had 63 grabs for 853 yards and 10 touchdowns. In addition to the Bearcats, he had offers from Kentucky, West Virginia, Missouri, Michigan State, Iowa State and Indiana.
Last year’s catches came from the departed Sorsby. His next receptions will originate from another quarterback.
“They’re all doing a great job,” Grover said. “JC (French IV) and Samaj (Jones) are really whipping it out there. I’ve played with Samaj the last two years. JC puts a good zip on that ball. It’s always right where I want it. I can’t ask for much more. They’re giving me opportunities to make plays.”
Grover credits volleyball for his athleticism
Grover was a three-sport athlete at Olentangy but comes from a volleyball background. One can only imagine what a spike from a 6-foot-6, 255-pounder might feel like on the receiving end.
“My older siblings all played volleyball, so I followed in their footsteps,” Grover said. “Our whole family does. It’s really unique for body control, like not running into the net or being able to shuffle on the floor and make plays. It translates when there’s a jump ball and I try to keep my feet inbounds, or trying to shuffle to make a block.”
Said Coach Stepp, “The guy’s got incredible ball skills. What really helps him out is he’s extremely smart. He knows this playbook inside and out. He understands where to be. He understands where to get in zones and settle in zones. He’s going to have a big fall for us.”
Yes, there are multiple Grovers
Luke Grover is a new offensive lineman who measures in at 6-foot-5 and 308 pounds. While it’s nice for the family, the younger Grover did have other notable offers.
“I wanted him to come here,” Gavin Grover said. “I didn’t want him to make his decision based off of me. I’m excited he came here. It’s awesome seeing him in the building every day. I talk some trash to him. It’s a good time. I love him being here.”
Waiting in the wings
Gavin Grover says he’s been working hard to pave the way for the next flock, just as his predecessors did for him. Tight ends Coach Stepp says Grover wants to be the best to ever play for UC and that he has that opportunity.
That said, the proverbial cupboard is not bare.
“Gavin and Devyn (Zahursky) are the two returning that have played for us,” Stepp said. “Lyviel (Waters from Winton Woods High) played a little bit last year. Ka’Maurri Smith (Huber Heights Wayne High) has had a phenomenal offseason.”
When Grover and Zahursky have been down, Smith has run with the “ones and twos.” DaMari Witherspoon, Kellen Davis (Middletown High) and early enrollee Jalen Williams − labeled a “freak athlete” by Stepp − were mentioned.
The Big 12 prototype is also evident. In addition to Grover, redshirt sophomore Zahursky is 6-foot-4 and 247 pounds; redshirt sophomore Waters is 6-foot-2 and 245; redshirt sophomore Davis is 6-foot-3 and 248; redshirt freshman Smith is 6-foot-5 and 252; redshirt freshman Witherspoon is 6-foot-5 and 242; and true freshman Williams is 6-foot-5 and 227 pounds.
UC tight end factory?
Grover or any of the other tight ends were recruited on their potential to reach the pros. The tight end room has graphics of those who succeeded both as Bearcats and in the NFL.
“The guys ahead of me have all taught me well,” Grover said. “I just try to learn from those guys and ask them questions. They’ve been great leaders on the field as well as off the field in the weight room. I’ve come a long way. I was like 230 pounds coming out of high school, and now I’m 255 and I’ve definitely gotten a lot stronger.”
Royer is next in line to be in the NFL after 79 catches the past two seasons for seven touchdowns. His 50 catches in 2024 broke the single-season record for tight ends set by Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. Patrick Gurd, an Ohio State transfer, also had an impressive Pro Day and could get an NFL look. All on the list are impressive.
Josh Whyle – From La Salle High School, Whyle was a fifth-round pick of the Titans in 2023. He caught 28 passes for them in 2024. Whyle is now with the Green Bay Packers.
Leonard Taylor – Taylor was undrafted in 2023 but signed as a free agent with the Jaguars. He had 69 career catches for the Bearcats.
Josiah Deguara – Deguara was a third-round pick of the Packers. As a fullback/tight end, he’s spent time with the Jaguars and is now with Arizona.
Travis Kelce – Kelce was a third-round pick of the Chiefs in 2013 and will certainly be an NFL Hall of Famer. He had 76 catches last year and has 1,080 for his career with 82 touchdowns.
Adrien Robinson – Robinson had 69 career receptions for the Bearcats and was a fourth-round pick of the New York Giants in 2012. He was also with the New York Jets.
Brent Celek – Celek was a fifth-round pick of the Eagles and won a Super Bowl with them. His NFL career spanned from 2007-17.
Rod Monroe – Originally an undersized 6-foot-4 power forward for Bob Huggins and UC basketball, Monroe walked on to the football team for an extra season and was mainly a blocker but caught two passes with one touchdown. He was good enough to get drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1997 in the seventh-round. Monroe’s résumé includes stints with the Falcons, Jaguars, Dolphins and Browns.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Who will be next top tight end for Cincinnati Bearcats football?
Reporting by Scott Springer, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
