It just means more for Westlake OL Roland Grimmett after the talented offensive lineman committed to Tuskegee over the weekend.
He has a rich history and lineage linked to the Tuskegee program.
“I want to be the best offensive lineman I can be and leave a lasting legacy at Tuskegee, just like my grandfather did, who was recently inducted into the Tuskegee Hall of Fame,” said Grimmett.
Grimmett had another great season and career with the notable Westlake Lions. He stands at 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds and is a physical offensive lineman that is tough to move once he gets his hands on you. Grimmett was named first team all-region after a great year and the Lions have helped prepare him for the next level.
“It was a huge honor to be named an all-region player this year. It’s a testament to all the hard work I put in, but I couldn’t have done it without my coaches and teammates,” he said. “It just motivates me to keep getting better and set even bigger goals for myself at Tuskegee. Westlake taught me how to compete at a very high level. We played against some of the best talent in Georgia, and that helped me develop the mindset and skills I need for college football. I enjoyed brotherhood in high school. There’s nothing like going to battle with your teammates and building those lifelong bonds. The energy on Friday nights, the hard-fought games, and the memories we made will stay with me forever. The coaching staff pushed us to be disciplined, physical, and technically sound, and that’s going to carry over to Tuskegee.”
Grimmett talked about why Tuskegee felt like the right place for him and why he could see himself spending the next few years of his career there.
“Tuskegee University (TU) feels like home because it truly is home for me,” Grimmett said. “My family has deep roots there—my dad was born in Tuskegee and spent his summers there, and my maternal grandmother is from Tuskegee as well. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt that same sense of belonging. The legacy, tradition, and family atmosphere stood out right away, and I knew it was the perfect place for me to grow, both as a player and as a man.”
It wasn’t just his father and grandmother being connected to the area, but Grimmett has a special connection to Tuskegee University that expands generations of family members who have attended the school. It goes way back to even his grandparents and expands on both sides of the family. Keeping the family legacy alive was also another key component of his decision.
“My connection to Tuskegee runs deep, rooted in generations of family history,” he explained. “On both sides of my family, the ties to the university are strong. My fraternal grandparents met at Tuskegee, and my Grammy, Ernestine Grimmett (Class of ’74), is a proud alumna. My grandfather, Jay Grimmett (Classes of ‘78 and ‘80), played four years as a TU quarterback playing along with his brother TU Quarterback John Grimmett (Class of ‘72). After being drafted into the military Jay returned to Tuskegee to complete his undergraduate and master’s degrees. He served as coach of quarterbacks and receivers. On my mom’s side, my grandfather, Dr. Manning Marable, served on the faculty of Tuskegee Institute, and my granny, Hazel Ann Harris, also worked there. Carrying on this legacy means everything to me, and I am honored to be a part of the rich tradition that is Tuskegee University. The history and tradition of Tuskegee are incredible. Walking around campus, you can feel the pride and the culture. Everyone I met was welcoming, and you could tell they really cared about the success of their students. It’s a place with a strong sense of family, and I knew I wanted to be part of that.”
During the lion’s share of his career, Grimmett was an underrated prospect who didn’t always get exposure. More exposure happened towards the tail end of his career with Recruit Nega, an emerging media platform, giving him attention and exposure on its platform. He didn’t let that deter him from achieving his goals on the field and making it to college. Grimmett details the journey and shares advice for other recruits who may be in similar situations.
“Recruiting was definitely a journey filled with more ups than downs. I started out just focusing on getting better every day at Westlake, putting in the extra work in the weight room and on the field. I had to stay patient and trust the process, knowing that my hard work would pay off. Over time, I started getting noticed, attended a ton of camps, picked up offers, and built relationships with coaches. It wasn’t always easy, but I stayed locked in, stayed humble, and kept grinding,” said Grimmett.
“I would tell others to stay patient, be positive and keep working. Recruiting can be unpredictable, and not everyone’s journey looks the same. Control what you can—your effort, attitude, and work ethic. Also, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Go to camps, send your film, and build relationships with coaches. Most importantly, believe in yourself, even when others don’t.”
Grimmett will be coached by offensive line coach Chris Patterson. Patterson has experience coaching at Syracuse, Lane College, and Lincoln University. He has coached all-conference offensive linemen over the course of his career and plans to do the same at Tuskegee. He was hired last February and was a key figure in Grimmett’s recruitment.
“Coach Patterson is really great. I was introduced to him by my offensive line coach, Coach Goose,” he said. “From our first conversation, he made it clear that he saw my potential and knew I could make an impact at Tuskegee. He’s a coach who pushes his players to be great, and that’s exactly what I want at the next level. I know he’s going to challenge me, help me develop my game, and put me in the best position to succeed.”
“It’s a family-oriented culture. The players, coaches, faculty and staff all have a deep bond, and you can see that on and off the field. The support from alumni and the community is strong, too. It’s a winning culture with a rich football tradition, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
So what has gotten him to this point and being able to play at the next level? It starts with his effort on every snap and does not stop until the whistle is blown. Grimmett is a punisher and finisher and that is why he has garnered interest at the next level.
“I take pride in playing with relentless effort every snap. I’m always working to finish blocks, stay aggressive, and outwork my opponent. That mindset is what got me here. I knew if I stayed hungry and kept grinding, I’d earn my spot at the next level. Playing D2 football is just another step in my journey, and I’m ready to prove myself and to make it beyond the collegiate level to play professional football,” said Grimmett. “I want to be an impact player from day one, help Tuskegee win championships, and continue to develop my game.
It certainly wasn’t easy for Grimmett but he is thankful for the journey and support system for helping make his dream come true.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with this opportunity,” he said. “I’m incredibly grateful to my parents for their unwavering support and to my little brother Joshua for always encouraging me. A huge thank you to my coaches, teammates, administrators, teachers, and counselors for pushing me to be my best and believing in me. My teammates have been like brothers to me, and I wouldn’t be here without the love and support of everyone who has been part of my journey.”
Sign up for Score Atlanta’s High School Sports Report! The newsletter hits your inbox every Saturday morning with breaking news, recruiting info, classification blogs and more. Subscribe to the only newsletter that dives into every single sport around the entire state of Georgia! Sign up today: https://bit.ly/scoreatl
Loading ...
