Fox Sports Names Grissom as Redshirt Freshman to Watch

Brian Smith, a writer for FOXSportsSouthwest.com, has named OU defensive end Geneo Grissom as one of five redshirt freshmen in the Big 12 who "have both the talent and the time put in to make names for themselves in 2011."

"The Hutchinson, Kansas native was set to stay at home and play for the University of Kansas before the Mark Mangino imbroglio rocked the Jayhawks. Grissom then opened his recruitment and had a change of heart, signing with the Sooners. Grissom was a top-three prospect in the state, and the other two — quarterback Blake Bell and wide receiver Justin McCay — chose Oklahoma as well. 

"Grissom entered college at 230 pounds, a tad undersized for a defensive end. He spent last season bulking up, and the results are apparent. He is up to nearly 250 pounds thanks to Oklahoma's excellent strength training program. The departure of Jeremy Beal has opened up at least one spot at defensive end. Hard-hitting junior Ronnell Lewis is slotted to start in Beal's place right now. By most accounts, Grissom was neck-and-neck with junior R.J. Washington for the backup slot behind Lewis. Like the NFL-bound Beal, Grissom isn't necessarily a freak athlete. Though he has already gained nearly 20 pounds, Grissom could still use some more bulk in his lower body. But what Grissom does have, much like Beal, is a non-stop motor and a desire to dominate. He should definitely see some playing time throughout the season and may even be a part of OU's 'fifty' front."