Meet Garrett Grayson: New Orleans Saints next star QB?
Did the New Orleans Saints just find Drew Brees‘ replacement? That is a question that cannot be answered until No. 9 decides to call it quits down on the bayou. However, he does have a new apprentice in Colorado State quarterback Garrett Grayson, who the Black and Gold used a third-round pick on in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Sean Payton and company didn’t draft the former CSU Ram to use him as a career backup. It is clear — Garrett Grayson is expected to be the Saints’ next starting quarterback. In fact, coach Payton said if Grayson wasn’t available in the draft, then the team would have passed on a quarterback all together.
With at least two years left for Brees, Grayson has the perfect opportunity to learn and develop behind one of the all-time greats at that position. We can draw comparisons, but a Brett Favre–Aaron Rodgers scenario is only hopes and dreams at the moment.
So, who is Garrett Grayson? Born and raised in Vancouver, Washington, Garrett is the son of Brad and Jody Grayson. His uncle, Dan Grayson, was an All-American linebacker at Washington State and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 1990 NFL Draft.
Garrett attended Heritage High School as a three-sport athlete (football, basketball and track). Nicknamed G-Man, he earned academic-all conference honors in all three sports, lettering in each as well.
As a basketball player, Grayson served as a team captain and averaged 6.7 points per game. His track and field achievements were also impressive, winning two district titles in both the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles.
However, football would be his most impressive feat. Grayson was a three-year staring QB, also playing free safety, cornerback and wide receiver. He broke most of Washington’s Class 4A state passing records and had the nation’s highest completion percentage (73.2 percent) as a senior.
He collected two consecutive Greater St. Helens League MVP honors in 2008 and 2009 and led Heritage to three-straight playoff berths and a league championship in 2008. Grayson earned conference player of the year in 2009, passing for 2,720 yards with 18 touchdowns and only five interceptions.
He was the No. 22-ranked all-purpose quarterback in the nation and No. 17 overall prospect from the state of Washington by Rivals.com before joining Colorado State.
Garrett Grayson was named the Rams’ starter as a sophomore, but suffered an injury, ending his season with 946 yards and seven touchdowns in six games. He bounced back his junior year and recorded one of the best statistical seasons in Colorado State history, starting all 14 games and completing 62.1 percent of his passes 3,696 yards and 23 scores.
In 2014, Garrett Grayson was named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year. He completed 64.3 percent of his passes for a staggering 4,006 yards and 32 touchdowns with just seven interceptions.
His 4,006 yards set a CSU record and was good for fourth in NCAA FBS. Grayson holds numerous school records including career yards, touchdowns, completions, attempts, completion percentage and the single-season touchdown record with the 32 he threw as a senior.
New Orleans Saints fans better get used to the name Garret Grayson. When Drew Brees decides to retire, this is the kid who will likely be stepping in. Is Grayson the next star quarterback down on the bayou? With the work ethic, skill set and an extraordinary opportunity to breed behind one of the all-time greats, I’m liking his chances.
Stats courtesy of CSURAMS.com
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