Adam Grant is part Eben Britton, part Benjamin Button.
The Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman is a curious case, for sure.
Plagued by injuries for most of his college career, Grant is seemingly getting healthier as he gets older, like the movie character who reverses in age.
"I'm feeling as young as I have ever felt," Grant said. "I'm stronger than I've ever been right now, and I'm faster than I've ever been."
Grant, 23, started spring drills last week as the Wildcats starting left tackle, a position Britton once manned with distinction, a year after playing all 13 games at right tackle.
Grant's durability is shocking, considering the way his career began.
Grant tore the ACL in his knee twice in his first three seasons at the UA; he returned healthy in 2008 but broke the pinkie on his right hand midway through the season and lost his starting job.
Grant's body finally cooperated a year ago, and the results were amazing. The Puyallup, Wash., native was a stabilizing force on a patchwork offensive line. As a result, the Wildcats went 8-5 and played in the Holiday Bowl.
Grant petitioned the NCAA for a medical hardship following the 2009 season, one that would allow him to play for the Wildcats as a sixth-year senior this fall.
Though a ruling won't be made until later this month, Grant likes his odds.
"Otherwise, I would have been preparing for the (NFL) combine or pro day right now," he said.
For now, he's the leading candidate to start at football's most indispensible position. Grant will be charged with protecting quarterback Nick Foles' blind side this spring; if everything works according to plan, Grant will have that job again in the fall.
Grant said he's "working my butt off" to master the position switch. At 6 feet 6 inches and 325 pounds, he's an ideal size to anchor the line. His footwork must improve, however, since he'll be facing the opponent's top pass-rusher on a weekly basis.
And that's not the only adjustment.
"The thing everybody's got to understand about Adam is that this is his sixth year, but he's played in 13 games," co-offensive coordinator Bill Bedenbaugh said. "Even though he's been here for six years, he's a relatively inexperienced player."
Playing on the left side has its privileges. Grant said he's looking forward to matching up with Brooks Reed, the UA's standout defensive end, in practices. Mike Diaz credited Reed for much of his success at left tackle last year.
"As good as (Reed) is, that's only going to make me better," Grant said. "And hopefully I can make him a little better."
Grant said he doesn't feel old but gives himself away with a few stories. He lived with Britton when the Jacksonville Jaguars starting tackle was just 17 years old. Grant was a UA veteran when center Colin Baxter, the team's most experienced offensive player, arrived on campus. Grant laughs when told that tight end Terrance Miller just turned 18 years old.
"I feel a little old sometimes, but with what I've gone through, it makes you appreciate it," he said. "They make me feel young."
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