Back in 2007, Terry Grant led Alabama in rushing as a redshirt freshman.
Less than three years later, injuries -- and possibly the presence of a Heisman Trophy winner -- have officially derailed what some thought/expected would be a stellar Tide career.
According to head coach Nick Saban, Grant has decided to not use his fifth year of eligibility, effectively retiring from the collegiate game. Twice Grant has been forced to undergo surgery for a sports hernia, and that led to his decision to step away.
“He’s been injured two years in a row,” Saban said according to the Birmingham News. “He decided because of injuries -- he’s already graduated -- that he would not come back for his fifth year. He does qualify for a medical, if we need to do that, so he can continue academically.”
Grant rushed for 891 yards during Saban’s first season in Tuscaloosa. The last two seasons combined, the back rushed for 254 yards, thanks in part to the injuries and in part to the presence of Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson and Glen Coffee.
Coming out of high school in Mississippi, Grant was a four-star recruit and rated as the No. 4 RB in the entire nation by Rivals.com.