Name: Grant Kraemer
School: Drake
Position: QB
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 225

Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?

My goal heading into the season was to have the longest season in Drake Football history. We did that by playing our first game in China in May and ended in December with a close loss to #24 Iowa State to end our careers. Individually my goal was to break as many Drake career records as possible. I finished first or second in just about every seasonal and career category for a QB.

Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?

My Coach actually told me at the end of the season that I am the most prepared player he has coached in the last 30 years because of how much film I watch and the football IQ I have. They would also say that I am a leader and someone that the whole team can trust to run the offense. Lastly they would say I love the game because of willing to learn more and compete in every aspect of football both on and off the field.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

First thing I do is watch the whole game film and look for gaps in the defense and where other teams have taken advantage of them. Next I like to breakdown and only watch the secondary, then linebackers, then defensive lineman. I watch the secondary very closely as they like to give hand signals that indicate which coverage they are going into. Also I look to see how they plan man vs zone, how often they press, do they bail, are they good tacklers. These things help me get a better understanding of where to attack the defense. I look at the linebackers next to see how their drops are, do they overreact to play-action, and any blitz indicators that can help myself or the O-line recognize. Lastly I look at the D-line. I look to see when they stunt, how they play the zone read, what kind of pass rushers are they. Lastly I look at all 3rd downs and try to figure out what the most common defense is for that coach. Are they more of a man or zone team, do they blitz more? These things help me know where to go with the ball before the play has even started.

Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?

I think at the next level everyone is talented and has good arm strength. If they didn’t they wouldn’t be where they are today. I think what separates me from others is my high football IQ. I love learning all aspects of every play and understanding when to keep the play and when to check out of the play. I know when to change the protection or change the Mike ID to help our offense move as smoothly as possible. Being in the NFL you have to be able to understand not only what you are doing, but what everyone around you is doing. I know I am more than capable of understanding the complex NFL offenses. 

Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?

I am right outside of Denver, CO training with Tim Jenkins at Jenkins Elite. Tim and his staff are teaching me not only the physical parts of being an NFL QB, but the mental parts as well. We are learning new plays and NFL verbiage so that when we get to camps and OTA’s, it may be different but we have a high understanding of what is going on. My footwork has been a big emphasis for me this training period and getting everything perfect before my Pro Day.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

I think my leadership ability, high football IQ, and arm strength are going to be attributes that NFL teams will love having around. They are going to get a guy who wants to push everyone to be their best and have fun doing it. Understanding what everyone else does on the field helps me be a great leader and motivator to the team.

Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?

If you want a guy who is going to be the first one in the facility and the last one to leave, look no further. I am going to do whatever it takes to make myself and my teammates the most successful group around. I love football and I am a guy who only needs to be told things once to get it right. I am going to listen and learn as much as possible so that I can have a large impact on my team. I am a great guy to have in any locker room and will be a leader for years to come!