Elyria Catholic linebacker Graydon Rollins has all the measurables to play Division I college football, and a big senior season could be the key to making that happen.
As one of two returning defensive starters, the recently named captain will set the tone in the front seven.
“(Rollins) is a kids that has a lot of aspirations to go on to the next level. He works hard, he is a leader and was (recently) named one of our teams captains by the head coach. He is a ball player when he is focused,” Elyria Catholic Coach Chase Farris said.
Rollins is one of five captains named for the 2023 Panthers. Despite no official offers, he went on college visits and participated in summer camps to get his name on the recruiting landscape. He is on the radar of notable programs in Division I and Division II. This year, he is ready to up his game.
“I think that it is a huge honor, being the middle linebacker with a great group of guys,” Rollins said. “We lost nine of our 11 starters, but the young kids have really stepped up and filled their role. I think that we are going to surprise a lot of people on how our defense is going to play this year.”
He is one of two returning defenders with defensive back Brady Engle. Last season, Rollins totaled 117 tackles with 12.5 tackles for losses and six sacks. He was named Division IV second team All-Northeast Lakes District.
Rollins will be one of two linebackers on a defense that likes to utilize its speed with five defensive backs, four linemen and two linebackers in Panthers’ Defensive Coordinator Doran Grant’s system.
Grant was a defensive back at The Ohio State and the NFL. Rollins believes his experience is invaluable for his development.
“The experience that Coach Grant brought to the table (for the defense) really helped me see the field a lot better and improved my game on the little thing that I didn’t have before,” Rollins said.
“(Rollins) has risen to the occasion multiple times. He accepts coaching,” Farris said. “There a lot of those seniors that are set in their ways. When (our coaching staff) came in, we had a hard conversation with them. We said that we understand that you are one of five starters returning, but your game has a lot of fine-points that we need to work on where we want you to be. Ever since from day one, he has bought in. Everything we’ve asked him to do, he’s done it.”
Leadership is down from one generation onto the next. Following the class of 2023 that featured six defensive Division IV All-Ohioans, Rollins feels prepared to use the blueprint for the defense.
“(The leadership) last year was very good,” Rollins said. “For this year, what I’ve learned from (the 2023 seniors), I put it into play and really be a leader out there on both sides of the ball, help my team out whenever I can and make sure that our young guys are ready to go.”
The weight program installed by former Ohio State players Grant, Troy Smith and Farris bulked him up to 215 pounds. He also sprouted to 6-foot-1.
“To see his physical stature, (Rollins) looks the part. Now, its time to put all of that hard work to good use on the field,” Elyria Catholic Coach Chase Farris said.
The new-look Panthers will kick their season off at Liberty Benton on Aug. 18, Rollins is excited to see what is in-store for this season.
“(Our coaches) know what it takes and they’ve been there,” Rollins said. “They know what it takes to get our bodies right and get our minds right. I’d say that our team is in the best shape and best condition that I think I have ever seen. Even though we’ve lost a lot of people, I think that we are going to surprise a lot of people on what our outcome is going to be this year.”
