NCAA Bestows 2018 Senior CLASS Award on West Virginia’s Will Grier

West Virginia’s star quarterback Will Grier has been named the winer of the 2018 Senior CLASS Award for NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, as selected by a national vote of coaches, national football media and fans.

The award recognizes the most outstanding senior student-athlete in their sport. Then name is an acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, honoring the recipient’s commitment to academics and athletics for four years. This award is particularly rewarding for Grier, who transferred to WVU after being suspended for violating the NCAA’s substance abuse policy while at Florida.

“I strive to be passionate and motivated in all areas of my life, whether it’s being able to provide for my family, being a rock in the relationships that I have built with friends and family or just working hard and being an example to the community,” said Grier.

Grier finished his career at WVU with 7,354 yards, 71 touchdowns and a 65.7 completion percentage in two years at WVU.

This season, Grier led the Big 12 in passing touchdowns per game, passing yards per game and completions per game, finished fourth in Heisman voting, and was a finalist for the Maxwell Award, Manning Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

In the classroom, Grier earned one bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies in December 2017 and is expected to earn a second bachelor’s degree in sociology this May. He was a constant on the Garrett Ford Academic Honor Roll, Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, and twice made the Dean’s List.

In his life away from being a student-athlete, Grier is a husband to Jeanne and father to Eloise. He is also the older brother of Nash and Hayes Grier, who are social media superstars. Grier is well-known at WVU Children’s Medicine, where he spends time with both patients and parents, with whom he finds a special connection.

“Having a child has had a big impact on me, and the way I look at life and on my perspective. Anytime you can affect a kid’s life in a positive way, that’s a great thing,” said Grier. “I really enjoy spending time with these kids and trying to bring some sunshine into their day.”

Grier is the third Mountaineer to win the award for their sport, but the first football player to receive the honor. Jevon Carter (2017) and Da’Sean Butler (2010) won the award for D1 men’s basketball.