THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608290621
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMES C. BLACK, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ETTRICK, VA. LENGTH: 83 lines
Rodney Granger will see several familiar elements at Foreman Field Saturday evening: mom and dad in the stands; Norfolk State coach Darnell Moore on the opposing sideline; and probably even a rain storm to christen the Labor Day Classic. But there will be no Aaron Sparrow - at least not on the field.
``It's just another game,'' Granger, the Virginia State quarterback, said before practice this week. ``The only thing was I never beat him in high school.''
In two high school games, Wilson defeated Norcom by a combined score of 72-2 with Sparrow and Granger as the respective quarterbacks. When they got to college though, the tide shifted.
The Trojans have won four straight games against Norfolk State, including outscoring the Spartans 95-28 the last two years behind Granger.
But last year's offensive output wasn't directed solely at Norfolk State. Granger threw for 2,300 yards last season as the Trojans averaged 38.2 points a game, second in the country.
``He's the man as far as the team goes,'' senior linebacker Antonio Inge said. ``He's probably the best quarterback in the CIAA.''
But last winter, Granger saw himself thrust into the spotlight for a different reason.
He was charged with raping a female freshman following a Dec. 3 incident in an all-male athletic dormitory. Granger was acquitted of the charges on June 20 and has been prohibited by the athletic department of talking about the circumstances.
In general, the soft-spoken Granger says very little about the events of his life - particularly the rivalry with Sparrow. That, however, did not stop his parents, Rodney Sr. and Erma, from speaking about the pair.
``He's here . . . to prove he can beat Norfolk State again,'' Rodney Sr. said. ``With Aaron Sparrow not here, the old rivalry of quarterback vs. quarterback is not here but the Virginia State-Norfolk State rivalry is still here and we want to win.''
As a high school junior, Granger was the second-rated passer in the Southeastern District behind Sparrow. The same was true as they led their teams to winning records in the CIAA last year. Both were named to the 1995 All-CIAA teams - Sparrow being named to first team, Granger to the second team.
This year?
``I just want to go out with a bang,'' the graphic design major said of his final campaign.
The ultimate for most college stars would be reaching the NFL. But as his chance of playing Division I football was minimal, the prospect of playing professional football appears dim.
``He realizes the dream is over after college,'' Virginia State coach Lou Anderson said. ``Some people continue to dream and waste time.''
But Granger's parents don't think advancing to the next level is such a far-fetched dream.
The parents blush, but show pride in displaying his bedroom.
Twenty-eight trophies, four plaques, drawings of athletes and tennis shoes and a CIAA football resting on a brown recliner highlight the otherwise modest room. They know their son would love the chance to play professionally. But it is far from being a necessity for him or them.
``We're not hurting for Rodney's money,'' his father joked while seated on a leather chair. ``It's always nice to have millions vs. 50s and 100s but we'll support him in whatever he does.''
In addition to being named to the CIAA's preseason All-American team, Granger was named to Edd Hayes' Black College Sports magazine preseason team.
``If Joe Langston was satisfied with him at Norcom and Lou Anderson was happy with him at Virginia State, then why can't another coach be happy with him at the next level?'' Rodney Sr. asked.
Perhaps, his height.
Virginia State lists Granger at a very generous 5-foot-10.
Granger was highly regarded locally during his high school days but was overlooked by college recruiters because of his size.
``I called Lou Anderson and said he was a sleeper and all he needed was a chance,'' Langston said.
Granger has disappointed few.
``I expected it,'' Langston said of Granger's success. ``I thought he was deeply underestimated here and I think he was judged on body size.''
As of now, he's being judged on the points he puts on the scoreboard and the wins he puts in the record book - things every team on every level looks for. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
MICHAEL HEFFNER/The Virginian-Pilot
Former Norcom High star Rodney Granger hopes to guide Virginia State
to a fifth straight win over Norfolk State on Saturday. by CNB