Charles Grant’s path from Portsmouth, Virginia, to the collegiate athletic stage is a testament to the power of community, dedication, and self-belief
His journey through Churchland High School and beyond highlights how a hometown’s influence extends far beyond geographic boundaries—it molds character, ambition, and purpose.
As Grant continues to grow in his athletic career, his story stands as an inspiration not only to those in Portsmouth but to anyone who believes in the transformative power of their roots.
Portsmouth may be a single point on the map, but for Charles Grant, it will always be the place where it all began.
Charles Grant’s rise from a standout at William & Mary to an NFL Draft prospect is a story of consistency, resilience, and hard work.
With impressive collegiate accomplishments, a solid showing at the Combine, and the physical attributes that fit the modern NFL mold, Grant is well-positioned to make his mark at the next level.
Though the NFL presents new challenges, Grant’s track record suggests he will meet them head-on. Whichever team selects him will gain not only a talented lineman but also a dedicated professional committed to perfecting his craft. For Charles Grant, the journey to NFL stardom is just beginning—and the future looks promising.
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Table of Contents
Charles Grant: The Next Dominant Force on the Offensive Line
In the realm of football, few positions demand the blend of size, strength, technique, and intelligence quite like the offensive line.1
Among the 2025 NFL Draft prospects, Charles Grant of William & Mary has emerged as a name to watch.
Having proven his mettle both on the collegiate gridiron and at the NFL Scouting Combine, Grant stands poised to transition from college standout to NFL stalwart.
Below, we take a comprehensive look at Grant’s background, achievements, physical attributes, and future potential.
Thanks Brandon! It was a dream come true being able to talk about my game with you. https://t.co/zW4ujoEO9j
— Charles Grant (@CharlesGrant51) February 25, 2025
Early Life and Commitment to William & Mary
Hailing from a strong football background, Charles Grant’s journey began long before his rise to prominence at William & Mary.
Raised with a disciplined approach to athletics and academics, Grant excelled at the high school level, quickly attracting the attention of college recruiters.
By 2020, he committed to the College of William & Mary, opting for a program known for developing talented, well-rounded athletes.
His decision paid dividends, as Grant not only matured physically but also honed his skills as an offensive lineman.
William & Mary provided him with the perfect environment to flourish, surrounded by coaches who emphasized technique, footwork, and football IQ.
Charles Grant: Collegiate Career Overview
Five Years of Consistency
Charles Grant’s tenure at William & Mary was nothing short of exceptional. Spanning five seasons from 2020 to 2024, he appeared in a total of 50 games and started 41 of them—a testament to both his durability and reliability.2
His consistency anchored the offensive line, providing much-needed protection for quarterbacks and creating opportunities for running backs to thrive.
One of the most telling statistics from his college career is his sack prevention. Over the final three seasons, Grant allowed only two sacks, with just a single sack allowed in the entirety of the 2024 season.
Such performance reflects not only his physical attributes but also his high football IQ and ability to adjust to opposing defenses.
Dominating the FCS: First-Team All-American Honors
Grant’s excellence did not go unnoticed. He earned First-Team FCS All-American honors twice during his college career, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top offensive linemen in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
These accolades recognized his contributions in both pass protection and run blocking, areas where he consistently excelled.
Being named a First-Team All-American is no small feat, especially in a competitive environment where linemen are often overshadowed by skill-position players.
Grant’s repeated recognition indicates his impact on the field and the respect he earned from coaches, analysts, and media outlets.
Physical Measurements: Prototype Build for an NFL Lineman
At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Grant’s physical attributes made headlines. Measuring 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing in at 311 pounds, he possesses the prototypical size desired in NFL offensive linemen.
However, it’s not just about raw weight and height—Grant’s specific measurements further enhance his value.
His arm length of nearly 35 inches allows him to control defenders at the line of scrimmage, keeping pass rushers at bay while giving him the leverage needed in run-blocking schemes.
Additionally, his hand size, which measures over 10 inches, provides him with the grip strength required to lock onto defenders and neutralize their moves effectively.
NFL Scouting Combine Performance: Next Gen Stats and Prospect Grade
Grant’s performance at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine bolstered his draft stock considerably. Next Gen Stats assigned him a score of 78, categorizing him as a “good” prospect.
This score reflects both his athletic capabilities and his potential to adapt to the fast-paced, high-intensity nature of the NFL.
Moreover, his prospect grade of 6.21 projects him as an eventual average starter at the professional level.
While some might view this as a modest projection, it is important to note that many successful NFL linemen have entered the league with similar grades, only to exceed expectations through hard work, coaching, and system fit.
Charles Grant: Strengths
Technique, Intelligence, and Durability
Several strengths set Charles Grant apart from his peers. First and foremost is his technique.3
Whether it’s hand placement, footwork, or leverage, Grant consistently demonstrates polished fundamentals that make him a coach’s dream. His ability to mirror pass rushers and maintain balance under pressure minimizes mistakes and penalties.
Secondly, Grant’s football intelligence shines through. Offensive linemen must process defensive alignments, blitz schemes, and stunts in real-time—areas where Grant thrives.
His experience starting in over 40 games has given him a deep understanding of how to adapt mid-play and communicate effectively with fellow linemen.
Lastly, his durability cannot be overlooked. Appearing in 50 games over five seasons with limited injuries highlights his resilience and commitment to conditioning, essential traits in the physically demanding world of professional football.
Areas for Improvement: Transitioning to NFL Speed and Power
While Grant has shown tremendous potential, there are still areas where he will need to adjust at the next level. The speed and complexity of NFL defenses far exceed that of the FCS, and Grant will be tasked with reacting even faster to elite pass rushers.
Additionally, although his strength is well-developed, professional defensive linemen will test his power and anchor ability more consistently. Building on his core strength and refining his ability to recover after initial contact will be key areas of focus as he transitions to the pros.
Given his performance at the Combine, collegiate accolades, and physical measurements, Charles Grant is projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Teams looking for long-term stability on the offensive line—particularly at tackle or guard—will find Grant an attractive option.
Franchises with established offensive line coaches who prioritize player development may view Grant as a high-upside prospect. His ability to contribute early as a rotational lineman, coupled with the potential to develop into a reliable starter, increases his draft appeal.
Ideal NFL Fit: Teams That Could Benefit from Grant’s Skill Set
Certain NFL teams stand out as ideal landing spots for Grant. Organizations known for valuing strong offensive line play—such as the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, or Indianapolis Colts—may be particularly interested.
These teams have a track record of drafting linemen in the later rounds and developing them into quality starters.
Moreover, teams facing depth issues on the offensive line due to injuries or free agency losses could view Grant as a low-risk, high-reward investment. His versatility and ability to play multiple positions along the line further enhance his value.
The long-term outlook for Charles Grant is bright. While he may need a season or two to adjust fully to the NFL’s demands, the foundation he built at William & Mary—coupled with his physical gifts—positions him well for sustained success.
If he lands in the right system with supportive coaching, there’s every reason to believe Grant can develop into a dependable starter who anchors an offensive line for years.
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Charles Grant: The Portsmouth Native
Early Beginnings in Portsmouth, Virginia
Charles Grant hails from the historic city of Portsmouth, Virginia, a vibrant coastal town situated in the southeastern part of the state.
Known for its deep naval roots and strong community values, Portsmouth offers a blend of urban charm and small-town warmth. For Charles, this city was more than just his birthplace—it was the foundation that shaped his values, work ethic, and aspirations.
Growing up in Portsmouth exposed Grant to a community rich in diversity and resilience. The city’s close-knit neighborhoods and strong sense of pride played a significant role in fostering his competitive spirit.
Being part of a city with a strong emphasis on sports, education, and family support, Charles learned early on the importance of dedication and discipline.
The Cultural and Athletic Landscape of Portsmouth
Portsmouth, like many cities in Virginia, boasts a strong athletic culture, particularly in high school sports.
Football, basketball, track and field, and other athletic programs are deeply embedded in the city’s schools and local institutions. This environment provided Grant with numerous opportunities to develop his athletic talents from a young age.
The city’s recreational centers, youth leagues, and school programs created a fertile ground for young athletes like Grant to grow.
It was not uncommon for local athletes to earn scholarships or accolades, and the competitive atmosphere served as both motivation and a proving ground.
Charles Grant: Churchland High School
Charles Grant attended Churchland High School, one of Portsmouth’s prominent public schools.
Churchland High has a strong reputation, not only academically but also in athletics. It is here that Grant began to shine as a standout athlete, attracting attention from coaches, scouts, and local media.
At Churchland High School, Grant was exposed to rigorous training programs, experienced coaching staff, and competitive school rivalries that tested and refined his skills.
His commitment to both academics and athletics set him apart as a student-athlete destined for bigger stages.
Developing a Competitive Edge at Churchland
While at Churchland High, Grant participated in multiple sports, but it was his dedication to football (and potentially other athletic disciplines depending on his specialization) that captured the attention of regional and national recruiters.
Known for its robust football program, Churchland High has produced several athletes who have gone on to compete at the collegiate and professional levels.
Grant’s time at Churchland High was marked by tireless hours of practice, teamwork, and personal growth.
The discipline he developed during these formative years would go on to define his approach to sports and life beyond high school.
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Transitioning from Portsmouth to College Athletics
Upon graduating from Churchland High School, Charles Grant continued his educational and athletic journey at William & Mary, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected academic institutions.
Transitioning from his hometown to the college level marked a significant milestone in Grant’s life.
Though William & Mary presented new challenges—both academically and athletically—the foundational skills and values he learned in Portsmouth provided a solid platform.
The discipline, work ethic, and resilience cultivated during his years in Portsmouth translated well to the demands of college athletics.
The Importance of Staying Connected to One’s Roots
- Despite moving on to larger platforms, many athletes maintain strong connections to their hometowns, and Grant is no exception.
- Whether through visits back to Portsmouth, mentorship programs, or community involvement, staying grounded in one’s origins helps athletes remain humble and focused.
- For Grant, Portsmouth will always be home—a place filled with memories, challenges, triumphs, and the people who shaped him. By staying connected to his roots, he keeps alive the lessons and relationships that contributed to his development.
- Charles Grant’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how a supportive hometown can help shape successful individuals.
- Portsmouth’s emphasis on education, athletics, and community values creates an environment where young people can thrive.
- The city continues to foster the next generation of students and athletes, offering opportunities similar to those Grant experienced.
- Through strong school programs, local mentorship, and unwavering community support, Portsmouth remains committed to helping its youth reach their full potential.
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