Grainger made his plans known this summer that he was taking a break from his multi-platinum music career and training frequently at NC State in Raleigh.
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“I’m chasing history. The first multi-platinum recording artist to go back to school and play Division I football. Next year I’m going to be on somebody’s team, mark my words!,” he wrote in an Aug. 18 post on X that showed him catching a pass at the NC State practice facility.
Announcing her commitment, Grainger wrote on Twitter: “For every kid who has ever had a dream, make it a reality. God’s will is the way and no one can stop it, not even the devil. I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me the strength to pursue what I believed in, when so many people told me I couldn’t. Thank you also to those who supported me, it never took anyone for granted. Born in Syracuse and transferred to North Carolina at age 12 and haven’t been back since, I knew it was a sign from God, because I was coming home.
Grainger played high school football Rolesville High in raleigh – his Highlights of the 2015 season can be found here,
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He is originally from Syracuse, NY, but moved to North Carolina as a young teen where he began his rap career. He currently has 3.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify and also released a new single ‘Even Then’ last month. He is known for songs like ‘Favorite Song’, ‘Love Hurts’ and ‘Pull Up’.
Tucci is among other late bloomers trying to make it in college football
Grainger is not currently ranked as a recruit, but should have full eligibility remaining after previously not playing college football. He is one of the few potential players to take an interesting path into the game.
Former foreign professional basketball player nathaniel salmonPlayed in Australia before gaining NCAA eligibility and then attended mini-camp with the Los Angeles Chargers, also looking to join a program after this season.
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The 6-foot-7, 270-pounder has already taken official visits to BYU, Arizona State and Utah this season.
“These three schools checked all the boxes for me,” Salmon told Rivals’ Adam Gorney. “They all have large Polynesian communities which I want because I feel like I fit in more and all three have large LDS communities. I fit in the best at these three schools. These are the last three because I have built the best relationships with these three. My recruitment is still open but these are the top three. I’m trying to enroll asap.”
Before his tryout with the Chargers, he had never played football. But while playing basketball he was discovered by the NFL International Player Pathway and invited to a 10-week football program in Bradenton (Fla.). IMG Academy In January 2025.
“It’s a fun journey that I’ve been on but I think everyone has their own journey and this is mine,” Salmon said.
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