Former FSU Running Back Suspended by Nebraska at Start of Spring Practice
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Spring practice is kicking off around the country for multiple teams throughout the week. That means optimism is at an all-time high, especially for programs that are breaking in a new coaching staff.
Nebraska hired Matt Rhule back in November and he's slowly been trying to make an impression on a team that finished 16-31 in five seasons under Scott Frost. It's going to take Rhule time to mold the Cornhuskers to his liking and it's also going to take a different approach.
Coming out of the gate, it's clear that Rhule is expecting his team to live up to a certain standard at Nebraska, on and off the field. The Cornhuskers began practice on Monday and it didn't take long for Rhule to deliver some surprising news.
According to KETV's Andy Kendeigh, Nebraska has suspended starting running back Anthony Grant while he works on his academics. Rhule is also suspending wide receiver Tommi Hill.
"Anthony Grant's not with us right now. I've suspended Anthony until such time as I feel like he's ready to rejoin the team working on just academics and just general things with him," Rhule said. "Nothing bad other than just sort of our standards as a program. So Anthony's not practicing with us today, and that'll be day by day. Good kid, just have to get him going in the right direction." Rhule said.
The Georgia native stepped into a significant role during his first season at Nebraska in 2022. Grant led the team with 218 carries for 915 yards with six touchdowns on the ground while also catching 18 passes for 104 yards. He finished the season with five games of 100+ yards and was recognized by being named an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection.
Prior to his time with the Cornhuskers, Grant spent two years at Florida State after signing with the program as a member of the 2018 class. He appeared in all 12 games during his true freshman season, serving as a primary kick returner and backup running back. Grant led the Seminoles with 11 kick returns for 247 yards, including 101 yards on four returns in a win against Samford. He also rushed five times and added nine tackles on special teams.
The former three-star prospect redshirted in 2019 while also spending a portion of time away from the team for unspecified reasons. He returned for the spring under head coach Mike Norvell before team activities were postponed due to the pandemic. Grant departed from the program that summer after being removed from the roster.
Grant landed in JUCO, spending two years at New Mexico Military Institute, where he posted eye-catching career totals of 2,549 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground. He broke the century mark in 10 of his 20 games at the Junior College level, included four 200+ yard rushing performances.
It sounds like Grant won't be away from the Cornhuskers for long ahead of his senior season in 2023.
Outside of Grant, former Seminole quarterback Chubba Purdy remains on Nebraska's roster.
Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the 2023 offseason
