Leesburg, Va. — Loudoun County High School senior wide receiver Joseph Groves has made a commitment to Lafayette College to continue his academic and athletic pursuits.
Groves spent his first two years of high school football at Briar Woods before transferring to Loudoun County prior to his junior season. Groves is a product of Ashburn Youth Football League, where he says he found his love for football.
“I play football because I love the game, I always have since I was young,” Groves said. “My dad essentially coached me my whole life, and even when I got to high school he coached me when I played freshman in eighth grade and my freshman and sophomore year he was a coach when I was at Briar Woods.”
[adrotate group=”5″]Groves – who earned first team All-LoCo, all-region, and all-district honors in 2018 – credits his father for helping him get to where he is now.
“My dad has always been my go-to guy in sports,” Groves said. “He’s the one that got me into the game and continually has pushed me to be the best I can be in school and in sports.”
Groves was not looking to sacrifice his academics in his college choice.
“I am someone that will put the time in the classroom and on the field as well,” Groves said. “I feel like Lafayette College is a tremendous institution for learning.”
Lafayette College is a Division I school in the FCS. Last year, the Leopards finished 3-8 in the Patriot League under second-year head coach John Garrett, brother of Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett. That was the Leopards second straight 3-8 season in a packed Patriot League.
The 6-foot-1 Groves is hoping to potentially make an impact on both sides of the ball for John Garrett’s squad. Versatility and adaptability are the key to succeeding at the next level, where extra reps and opportunities to prove yourself are sometimes few and far between.
“I am versatile and can play multiple positions offensively and defensively,” said Groves, who was recruited as a wide receiver but has also shown promise in the defensive secondary. “I believe that I will bring a strong work ethic and a positive attitude.”
Most recruits can get overconfident during their recruiting process, especially those with a chance of heading to a DI program like Lafayette, but Groves has stayed grounded through it all and has tried to focus on working hard and improving for his upcoming senior season.
“God gave me talent and a great family, and I feel like if I don’t go hard and try to always reach my best, then why even do it,” Groves said. “I feel like I owe it to those who aren’t able to play because of sickness or disability to give it my all, always have a positive attitude, work hard, remain humble, and don’t take anything for granted.”
