Grenadiers' Meyer looks for right fit

Updated: March 23, 2011 12:30PM

With a 4.75 grade-point average, Nick Meyer is smart enough to know what he's up against.

The Elk Grove senior quarterback has put up some eye-popping numbers the past two seasons, but the only one a lot of college recruiters can see is his height: 6-foot.

Though he's a proven playmaker as a prep quarterback, there's a good chance he may wind up playing either wide receiver or defensive back at the next level. At least that's what he's hearing from the colleges who have contacted him.

"Most of them are saying not quarterback because of the height factor," said Meyer, who weighs 185 pounds. "Definitely defensive back, they've seen film of me playing that position, or receiver."

If that's where he winds up playing in college, so be it. "Whatever gets school paid for" is fine, Meyer said.

Meyer is getting interest from an eclectic group of schools, ranging from Wyoming of the Mountain West to the MAC's Ball State and Northern Illinois to several Ivy League colleges.

"The Ivy League is something I'm really interested in because of the education," Meyer said. "You figure, I'm not going to the NFL, so why not go to a good school?"

Never mind that Meyer has put up some gaudy stats: 180-of-293 passing for 2,258 yards and 20 touchdowns along with 192 carries for 2,011 yards and 20 more TDs this season in 10 games. As a junior and senior, he has accounted for more than 6,200 total yards and 73 touchdowns in 21 games.

Grenadiers coach Brian Doll, who has built his offense around Meyer's passing and running, figures some college is bound to take a chance on Meyer.

"He plays bigger than his size," Doll said. "Every time he touches the ball, he could break it [for a touchdown]."

Meyer also had 44 tackles as a strong safety this season. "He's the best athlete on our team," Doll said. "I want him on the field."

Meyer didn't think much about his future while the Grenadiers were still playing, but their season ended with a first-round playoff loss to Schaumburg.

"Football has been my escape," he said. "That time has come" to concentrate on recruiting.

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