And the next step on that journey for the Illinois State All-American tight end could be the NFL.

“It’s all up in the air right now,” Grandy said of his chances of being selected in the Thursday through Saturday NFL Draft. “Some teams have a late round grade on me. But I would be perfectly content as a priority free agent and sign with a team after the draft.”

Transferring to ISU from Division II Missouri Western for his final college season paid off hugely for Grandy, who produced an All-American season of 63 receptions for 612 yards and three touchdowns.

Grandy played in both the Hula Bowl and Shrine Bowl all-star games.

“Being able to practice with some of the best players and best coaches in the country definitely helped me improve my game,” Grandy said. “The overall talent there was incredible. It makes you look at the game in a different way. I was trying to improve my game to show I can play at their kind of level.”

The 6-foot-4½, 256-pound Grandy talked to 15-20 NFL teams at the all-star games.

Grandy believes thriving in ISU’s spread offense sends a message to NFL scouts.

“I showed I can run every route and put my hand in the dirt and block,” he said. “That type of offense definitely benefits my style.”

Grandy participated in a Pro Day at Northwestern and was pleased with his top time of 4.81 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 21 repetitions in the bench press at 225 pounds.

“My shuttle times were right where I wanted them,” said Grandy. “Overall, I thought I had a pretty good day.”

Grandy is ranked as the No. 27 tight end for the draft by Dane Brugler of The Athletic.

“He has really good size and good ball skills,” ISU coach Brock Spack said. “He’s athletic. Any type of draft pick late would be awesome or he’ll be a high end free agent.”

Grandy has bulked up considerably since his days as a high school quarterback.

“I definitely have a lot of people to thank for where I am right now,” he said. “All the coaches and players, family and friends put me in this opportunity and keep pushing me in the right direction. I owe a lot of gratitude to a lot of people.”

Spack also believes Redbird quarterback Zack Annexstad, who is the No. 38-ranked QB according to Brugler, has a chance to secure a free agent contract.

“I’m been hearing his name. I talked to a couple quarterback coaches,” said Spack. “He’s maybe a practice squad guy. Put him in the baster and see what happens a year from now. (Defensive lineman Josh) Dinga tested well. Maybe he’ll get something.”