Introduction
Jakeem Grant (born October 30, 1992) is an American football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL), usually operating as a return specialist. He was drafted by the Dolphins in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Tech, where he set their all-time record for receiving yards.
High school career
Grant attendedJohn Horn High School in Mesquite, Texas and was a three-star prospect rated by Rivals.com. He held offers from Colorado State, Iowa State, Louisiana Tech, Pittsburgh, Texas Tech, Tulsa, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest. He was originally committed to Tulsa but flipped his commitment to Texas Tech soon before Signing Day.
College career
Texas Tech
Grant redshirted during his first season in 2011. In the following 2012 season, Grant played in all 13 games and recorded 32 receptions, 287 yards, and 3 touchdowns. He returned a kickoff for a 99-yardtouchdown in the 2012 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas. He earned ESPN All-Big 12 1st Team Freshman honors following the season.
In 2013, Grant played in 12 games for 65 receptions, 796 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns, and was named All-Big 12 Conference Honorable Mention.
In 2014, Grant played in 12 games for 67 receptions, 938 receiving yards, 7 touchdowns, and again earned All-Big 12 Conference Honorable Mention honors.
In his final season, in 2015, Grant was selected as a CBS Sports second-team All-American and an Associated Press third-team All-American in 2015 as an all-purpose player. Grant caught 90 passes for 1,268 yards and 10 touchdowns, which broke Biletnikoff Award winning Red Raider Michael Crabtree's school record in career yardage. Grant returned an additional two kickoffs for touchdowns during the season, setting the school record for the category.
During Texas Tech's Pro Day, a New Orleans Saints scout recorded his 40-yard dash speed at a hand-timed 4.1 seconds, potentially beating Bo Jackson's hand-timed 4.12 seconds at the NFL Combine in 1986. His electronically recorded 40 yard dash time is 4.34 seconds.
College statistics
| Receiving | Kick Return | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Team | GP | Rec | Yards | TDs | Returns | Ret yds | Ret Avg | Ret TDs |
| 2012 | Texas Tech | 13 | 32 | 284 | 3 | 6 | 237 | 39.5 | 2 |
| 2013 | Texas Tech | 11 | 65 | 796 | 7 | 19 | 400 | 21.1 | 0 |
| 2014 | Texas Tech | 12 | 67 | 938 | 7 | 23 | 515 | 22.4 | 0 |
| 2015 | Texas Tech | 13 | 90 | 1,268 | 10 | 39 | 1,017 | 26.1 | 2 |
| College Totals | 49 | 254 | 3,286 | 27 | 87 | 2,169 | 24.9 | 4 | |
Professional career
After running a 4.42 40-yard dash at his Texas Tech pro day, Grant was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round, 186th overall, of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Grant's first career touchdown came on a 74-yard punt return against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5 of his rookie season. The return made 'NFL Now's Top 5 Most Athletic Plays' list at number 1.
In Week 1 of the 2018 season, Grant had a 102-yard kick off return touchdown in a 27-20 win over the Tennessee Titans, earning him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. In Week 3, against the Oakland Raiders, he had two receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. Grant also recorded a 70-yard punt return touchdown in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He suffered an Achilles injury in Week 10 and underwent season-ending surgery.
On August 20, 2019, Grant signed a four-year contract extension with the Dolphins.
In Week 11 in the 2019 season, Grant returned a kickoff for a touchdown, this for 101 yards in a 37-20 loss against the Buffalo Bills.
On November 27, 2019, Grant was placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain.
Personal life
Growing up in Dallas, Texas single family home with mom Sylvia Whittaker and two brother (Markeith Whittaker and Keonte Grant). Grant attended John Horn High School. Grant was stabbed in a nightclub in 2014. He now married and has three children.
In 2016, Grant starred in the NFL Network's TV series, 'Undrafted'. Showcasing his pace and athleticism as a key factor in his game, before his eventual 6th round draft selection by the Miami Dolphins.