New home, same goals for Maximus Grimes

One of the top quarterbacks in Indiana will have a new home when the 2020 season begins. Maximus Grimes spent the last two years throwing touchdowns and winning games at Lafayette Jefferson, but has transferred to Class 5A runner-up Valparaiso for family reasons. With Lafayette Jefferson, Grimes threw for 1,886 yards, 19 touchdowns and two interceptions in eight games last year, despite battling a knee injury. As a sophomore, he threw for 3,454 yards and a school record 49 touchdowns to go with only seven interceptions. For his efforts, Grimes has quickly become heralded as one of the state’s top quarterbacks. “It feels great to be talked about as one of the best in the state, but the work is never done. I would say I am not too surprised of my success because of all the hard work I have put into playing football. I would attribute my success to God and my family,” Grimes said. A season ago, Valpo took the northern part of Class 5A by storm, rolling into the state championship game against New Palestine, where the Dragons held off the Vikings. Grimes tells Sideline Prep Sports Report he has already gotten accustomed to Valpo and head coach Bill Marshall. “I think I’ll fit in great. I have had a few meetings with Coach Marshall, and I think we are on the same page. I’ve also been throwing with some of the receivers and getting down timing for all the different routes,” said Grimes. And, he will enter the 2020 season fresh off knee surgery to repair a torn ACL. Grimes told Sideline Prep Sports Report all is well there. “It’s doing good. I have been officially released to play all sports,” he said. With the knee completely healed and a new team, Grimes is looking to set new records with the Vikings and draw the attention of colleges and universities. Currently, he has an offer from Valparaiso University.