Charles Grant, W&M Tribe football star, has been invited to the East-West Shrine Bowl. (Tribe Athletics)
WILLIAMSBURG — After establishing himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the nation, William & Mary senior left tackle Charles Grant earned an invitation to play in the 100th annual East-West Shrine Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 30, 2025.
One of the premier postseason college all-star games, the contest will feature many of the nation’s top NFL prospects, as the elite group will showcase their talents in front of all 32 NFL teams’ scouts and executives. Many of professional football’s most recognized and decorated players, including legends Tom Brady, Walter Payton, Roger Staubach, Bob Lilly and current stars Brock Purdy, Zay Flowers and Isiah Pacheco, played in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Grant would become the fifth Tribe player to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl as former All-America standouts Colby Sorsdal (2023), Connor Hilland (2019), Tre McBride (2015) and Drew Atchison (2008) also suited up for the contest. Sorsdal (Lions) and McBride (Titans) were selected in the NFL Draft, while Hilland (Dolphins) and Atchison (Cowboys) went on to sign a free agent contracts with NFL teams.
The nation’s top-rated tackle in the FCS this season according to PFF, Grant has helped W&M’s offense rank third nationally in rushing (257.4) and 12th in total offense (443.1).
A consensus preseason All-America selection, Grant was also chosen to the Senior Bowl Watch List, Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List and East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List.
The two-time first-team All-CAA selection ranked as the conference’s top tackle in pass blocking efficiency last season and allowed just one sack on 334 pass blocking snaps. Additionally, he finished the fall grading out at 92 percent with 40 pancakes en route to helping W&M rank 13th national in rushing (196.9).
His impressive junior campaign followed his breakout sophomore season in which he did not allow any sacks in 13 starts and helped W&M rank third nationally in rushing (265.8) and fourth in fewest sacks allowed per game (0.77).
Grant will look to join a group of five former Tribe standouts who are currently on NFL rosters – Nate Lynn (Lions), Bill Murray (Bears), Luke Rhodes (Colts), Sorsdal (Lions) and Owen Wright (Ravens).
