CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After scoring 19 points for Coastal Carolina in a first-round defeat against Southern Miss in the Sun Belt Conference tournament on March 4, Colin Granger returned to the team hotel in Pensacola, Fla., to have dinner with his parents and discuss his future.
In football.
Granger had informed Chanticleers coach Justin Gray that if Coastal went on an unexpected run in the conference tournament, it would be a sign for him to continue his basketball career overseas, where he had received multiple offers from professional teams.
However, if Coastal did not advance, Granger would become the first client of George Fant, the 10-year NFL veteran who was establishing a business focused on identifying and training college basketball players who he believed could transition to the NFL — a transition Fant made in 2016 after leaving Western Kentucky.
Therefore, following Coastal’s early exit in Pensacola, Granger discussed his decision with his parents before reaching out to Fant to confirm his commitment. A month later, Granger participated in a private pro day, working out for five NFL teams, and three days after that, he signed with the Carolina Panthers as a tight end in an unconventional move.
Since Granger did not play college football and had been out of high school for at least four NFL seasons by 2020, he was eligible for last year’s draft, allowing the Panthers or any team to sign him as a free agent this year.
Shortly after finalizing his contract with the Panthers on Monday, Granger was dining in the cafeteria at Bank of America Stadium with three edge rushers on pre-draft visits. He shared the news of joining an NFL team despite not having played football since eighth grade.
Granger’s story is reminiscent of other former college basketball players who successfully transitioned to the NFL, such as Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham, and Mo Alie-Cox. Fant believes Granger has the potential to shine in the Panthers’ tight end group.
Looking back, Granger’s journey from basketball to football began when he received his first scholarship offer from Mount St. Mary’s after only eight months of playing basketball in middle school. After a series of basketball stints at various schools, Granger ultimately caught Fant’s attention, leading him to transition to football with Fant’s guidance.
Fant’s detailed eye for talent among college basketball players seeking NFL opportunities ultimately culminated in Granger’s NFL debut with the Panthers, showcasing the potential that caught Fant’s attention early on.
George Fant, second from right, and his team spent several weeks working with Colin Granger, middle, before he signed with the Carolina Panthers. (Courtesy of George Fant)
Despite not playing football for nearly a decade, Granger took on the challenge of preparing for an NFL career under Fant’s mentorship. Through their rigorous training sessions, Granger’s dedication and work ethic stood out, earning him a shot at the NFL.
Now, as Granger embarks on his NFL journey with the Panthers, he looks forward to adapting to the demands of professional football and proving his worth in a league renowned for its physicality and competition, confident in his ability to make a lasting impact.
(Top photo: Scott Kinser / Cal Sport Media via AP Images)