2024 Season-ending Interview With State Champion Grady Kinsey From Indian Valley

 

Grady Kinsey

Indian Valley High School 

RB/LB

2026

5’9 195

Awards won or earned: Mr. Football finalist. Division IV, Conference, and district Player of the Year.

What was it like playing at Tom Benson Stadium for the state title?

It was surreal and felt as if I was playing in the NFL.

What were your feelings the second you realized you guys were going to win the state title?

There was an immense feeling of joy and thankfulness for all that have poured into our program.

What was the toughest part of the 2024 season?

Fighting through a groin and abdomen injury in the second half of the season.

According to Max Preps, heading into the state final game, you were number six in the nation in rushing. Did you ever dream that you would put up the numbers that you did this season?

I honestly never thought that I would be in a position to put up numbers like what I have; it was amazing to see what came out of this season.

Your offensive line seemed to get as energized as you did with each big run you had during the finals. How easy, not that it is ever easy, but how much easier was it for you having a line that looked like they were ready to block every play?

I really loved running behind our o-line this past year, and I cannot stress enough how well of a job they do; they really have the hardest job on the field for the least attention. I am thankful for those guys.

The last time we interviewed, you had said the biggest moment for you as an athlete was hitting the grand slam in the bottom of the seventh to lock the game up when you were twelve. Does the state title trump that?

That home run was pretty exciting, but I can definitely say that winning a state title was the best moment in my career.

What will you miss from the class of 2025?

I will obviously miss them as players, but I will miss them even more as people; it was awesome to see this team grow together and make unforgettable relationships. I already miss going to practice every day.

I asked you what your goal was for the 2024 season, and you said to win the state championship. With that goal accomplished, how will you stay motivated for the 2025 season?

We already feel the pressure of the next season, and we are motivated to do the same thing we did this year. This state championship is going to help kids buy into the program even more and will result in even more success for us.

How do you prepare for a season when you know you are going to be the focus of every defense your team faces?

We are really used to teams knowing that we will run the ball, but we obviously do a good job of doing it out of plenty of different looks to move the ball.

Would you share with the readers some of the colleges that are recruiting you?

The schools that have offered me a scholarship are Akron and Toledo. I am also in touch with others.

What part of your game are you hoping to improve on before the 2025 season starts?

I need to work on playing defense better and catching the ball out of the backfield, along with just the usual speed and strength training that I do in the off season.

What do you feel the state title will do for the Indian Valley football program?

I think that it has gotten so many young kids involved and interested, and it will compound into a lot of success.

Who are your role models?

My parents and coaches.

How would you handle it if there were no cell phones or internet?

I think it would be hard to connect to people, but I could be more productive throughout the day, honestly.

What is your favorite current TV show?

Quarterback.