Choctaw’s Khali Grant
By Bryce McKinnis
Choctaw High School’s first state championship since 1960 was hard-earned by a team of talented, dedicated athletes — especially, but not limited to, Khali Grant.
Grant’s 39 tackles, seven breakups and four turnovers provided a constant spark in the Yellowjackets secondary en route to a title in Edmond. In his own words, Grant’s best quality is his work ethic.
“It was a great moment to win the championship,” the 5-foot-11 senior defensive back said. “I was excited and proud of our team. But I knew when we won that the critics would not stop criticizing us.”
Likely, the same is often said among championship-winning programs. Among those that repeat are teams whose athletes earn it through sweat in June, July and August. Grant, knowing 15 other teams want what the Yellowjackets have, took the challenge seriously.
“We won and we still have a great team,” said, who also powerlifts for the Yellowjackets in the winter. “In the offseason, we lift and sprint to get our bodies in shape.”
Growing up, Grant preferred to play offense.
“I didn’t get any defensive reps, but my sophomore year, my coach told me that the only way I can play is to play defense, so I went on defense,” Grant said. “I had to work on a lot of things on defense, like pressing, playing off and man-to-man coverage.”
On championships teams, even players like a Grant who made his equitable contribution, find ways to lift their game closer to perfection.
Don’t be mistaken. He’s dealt with adversity along the way. Unfortunately, even when you work hard, bad luck can find you. But when he injured his knee, Grant didn’t let luck have a say. He goal-engineered his way to health.
That’s what he did this offseason, too. He goal-engineered success by producing measurable, incremental improvements to his speed and strength and, to be told, his individual and team performance.
“My goal this season is to get 50 tackles, five picks, three forced fumbles and two sacks,” Grant said.
The subsequent goal will be signing.
“I want to play at the next level,” Grant said, “and what I’m looking for in a school is strong academics and a good athletic program.”
