Pioneers in the News

It has been an eventful past week or two, both nationally and here at Grinnell, and our alumni have been at the forefront of a lot of it.  Over the next week or so I'll be profiling some of the highlights.

To kick things off, Grinnell's commencement speaker this year was comedian and 2001 grad Kumail Nanjiani.  Kumail's fame has steadily grown, likely boosted by his role on HBO's Silicon Valley.  This summer he'll be starring in The Big Sick, a semi-autobiographical story he and his wife wrote together.

Kumail covered a wide range of topics in his address, both serious and hilarious.  The line that got the best reaction was his take on how to ensure you'll be on the right side of history when it comes to the immigration debate in this country, and is at the beginning of this clip: https://www.facebook.com/NowThisPolitics/videos/1566920553339429/?pnref=story  Again, Kumail covered a lot of topics in his address, and my personal favorite was cut out of this highlight.  I don't have it word for word, but it went something like this, "so I encourage you to seek out people, thoughts, and opinions different from yours.  Listen to it, absorb it, oppose it if you feel it's wrong, but let it affect you."

Great call Kumail!  That's a Grinnell experience summed up in one line.  Thanks for a great address to our graduating class of 2017, and to all of us Pioneers!  #GCPride

Recruiting Class of 2017: Elijah Griffin

Elijah is a defensive lineman from La Salle High School in the Los Angeles area.  We've been waiting for this one to come in for a while, Elijah is a very good player!  The strength of this recruiting class is the defensive front, and Elijah is a big part of it.  We've already noted the additions Alex Ross and Tom Henehan, both of whom we're very excited about, but adding a third big body, and especially someone of Elijah's talent, will make a huge difference on our defensive front.

Like several of our recruits this year, Elijah has played on both the offensive and defensive line.  He is a powerful run blocker and is quick on his feet in pass protection.  However, his greatest strength is as a defensive lineman.  He has the size to swallow up a double-team, the quickness to get penetration in the backfield, and he uses his hands effectively enough to get a very good pass rush.  We're excited about Elijah!!

Elijah's highlight: http://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/4277463/video

Recruiting Class of 2017: Nat Jordan

Nat was a starter as both an offensive and defensive lineman for Cape Elizabeth High in Cape Elizabeth, ME.  As a senior, he helped lead his team to a 10-1 record and a birth in the regional final.  We're very excited about Nat's quickness off the ball on defense and his mobility as a guard.  He is an adept puller, and he'll fit well with many of our offensive schemes.  He's another valuable piece in what looks to be one of the most deep offensive line groups we've brought in, we're very excited to add him to The Drove!

Nat's Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4399810/5834dae25b3cda20a8954477

Recruiting Class of 2017: Tom Henehan

Tom is a defensive lineman from Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, IL.  Tom was a starter on a 5A state championship team as a junior, and a second round playoff team as a senior.  He's used to playing with, and against, some of the best in the state of Illinois, and he's ready to come in and compete immediately.  Tom's size, strength, and versatility in the defensive front make him a great addition to our defense.  The Black Swarm just got a lot better!!

Can't wait to get you aboard Tom!  #GCPride

Tom's Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/recruiting/athleteprofile/3003924/video