Dallas Grant has deep roots at the University of Toledo. His father played football for the Rockets while his mother was a cheerleader.
Rocket Spotlight On…Dallas Gant
9/13/2023 8:45:00 AM | Football
On playing his final year of college football, his plans for the future and what it was like to move back to his hometown
Senior linebacker Dallas Gant is in his second season at Toledo after playing four seasons at Ohio State. He led the team with 116 tackles last year, earning First-Team All-MAC honors. A team captain, Dallas is on the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award (Top Linebacker), the Lombardi Award (Top Lineman or Linebacker) and the Wuerffel Trophy (Community Service). Dallas is a native of Toledo who attended St. John's Jesuit High School. Both of his parents are University of Toledo graduates. His father, Jim Gant, played football, while his mother, Rhonda Jemison, was a cheerleader.
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On playing his final year of college football
It's exciting, I'm grateful for everything I've been through over the last six years and I'm just trying to cherish every moment with this last year.
On the character of this year's team
I think we're just a very close group. I was brought in last year and I didn't really get a chance to build relationships just because the season started right away once I got here, but now I've been able to build relationships and see how close and special this team really is. I think that will help us in the long run when it comes to this season.
On the process of transferring to Toledo from Ohio State
I had really no expectations when I decided to transfer. I knew I didn't want to be where I was at the time and so I am just really grateful that the process turned out better than I could have imagined. Toledo has brought me in and has treated me great. It's been a fantastic experience.
On where to live after he transferred to Toledo
One of the first things my mom mentioned was that I could live at home once I got here. My mom wanted me to live with her and I said nope, no way. I was four years deep into college, and as a grown man you don't want to live at your mom's house.
On his family's reaction to have him playing at Toledo
They were very excited about me coming to play at their alma matter. They didn't sway me in any way when I entered the transfer portal, but I knew they would have a little extra feeling if I came here. I ended up coming here and they were really excited. They had their UT gear ready. My late grandmother was excited that she could come to all the games so it's really special. Part of the reason I chose Toledo in the first place was the home atmosphere. I get to see a bunch of people in the stands that I know and grew up with. It's been awesome.
On his academic progress
I got my bachelor's degree at Ohio State, and now I'm getting my MBA. I should get that in December.
On his plans for the future
I plan to play football as long as I can, hopefully past this year then move forward from there. After that, maybe financial advising since my undergrad is in finance. Or maybe the coaching world. I really have no clue.
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On playing his final year of college football
It's exciting, I'm grateful for everything I've been through over the last six years and I'm just trying to cherish every moment with this last year.
On the character of this year's team
I think we're just a very close group. I was brought in last year and I didn't really get a chance to build relationships just because the season started right away once I got here, but now I've been able to build relationships and see how close and special this team really is. I think that will help us in the long run when it comes to this season.
On the process of transferring to Toledo from Ohio State
I had really no expectations when I decided to transfer. I knew I didn't want to be where I was at the time and so I am just really grateful that the process turned out better than I could have imagined. Toledo has brought me in and has treated me great. It's been a fantastic experience.
On where to live after he transferred to Toledo
One of the first things my mom mentioned was that I could live at home once I got here. My mom wanted me to live with her and I said nope, no way. I was four years deep into college, and as a grown man you don't want to live at your mom's house.
On his family's reaction to have him playing at Toledo
They were very excited about me coming to play at their alma matter. They didn't sway me in any way when I entered the transfer portal, but I knew they would have a little extra feeling if I came here. I ended up coming here and they were really excited. They had their UT gear ready. My late grandmother was excited that she could come to all the games so it's really special. Part of the reason I chose Toledo in the first place was the home atmosphere. I get to see a bunch of people in the stands that I know and grew up with. It's been awesome.
On his academic progress
I got my bachelor's degree at Ohio State, and now I'm getting my MBA. I should get that in December.
On his plans for the future
I plan to play football as long as I can, hopefully past this year then move forward from there. After that, maybe financial advising since my undergrad is in finance. Or maybe the coaching world. I really have no clue.
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Players Mentioned
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