Grant Uyl

Grant was named to the Associated Press All-State Team as a linebacker for the 2020 season. He was also named to the Detroit Free Press First Team All-State, Detroit News First Team All-State, Lansing State Journal Class A All-Area Dream Team, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association First Team as well as CAAC Red Division All-Conference linebacker. A "converted" quarterback from younger levels, Uyl found his niche as linebacker on one of DeWitt's best defenses ever. Not a typical "hulk" of a linebacker, Uyl used intelligence, speed, quickness, strength to deliver devistating tackles and a "slobberknocker" or two.

Grant was paired next to fellow All-State inside linebacker Andrew Debri and provided defensive coordinator Kyle Haskell so many unique options for formations, coverage and blitzes. The two complimented each other so well and were the best pair of interior linebackers in Panther history.    

 Uyl helped lead a Panther defense that allowd 80 points during the eleven game abbreviated season due to the Covid-19 virus. 30 of the points came from defending champs River Rouge in the 2020 Divsion 3 State Championship Game which DeWitt won 40-30 for the first ever State Chamionship for the Panthers. Playing against seven teams ranked in the top 10 in Division 2 or 3, the Panther defense allowed 80 points on the season and a paltry per game average of 7.3 points, 160 yards and 9 first downs.  In the State Semi-Finals, the Panthers held State powerhouse Muskegon to 0 points, four first downs and 64 total yards of offense.

Uyl was a three year starter for DeWitt. His senior season, he had 37 solo tackles, 26 assists and two quarterback sacks. For his career, He had 82 solo tackles, 78 assists and a a pair of quarterback sacks.

He was a diverse player that could have played any position including quarterback. He was the back up quarterback to a pair of State recognized quarterbacks and would drop into a running back position when DeWitt went into a power offense formation. A true student of the game, he finished with 406 yards rushing on 31 carries and five touchdowns.

An outstanding football and baseball player and outstanding student with a 4.0 GPA, Grant was accepted to the Naval and Air Force Academies and will attend the Air Force Academy.

A fun player to watch, unfortunately due to limited spectators in the stands, not as many people were able to appreciate him and his team all season.