MaxPreps Weekly Honor Roll, presented by the United States Marine Corps: Grant Juno

Grant Juno has always made quite the impression on anyone he crosses paths with.

The administrators at La Grange (Texas) appreciate his hard work in the classroom and that is reflected by straight-A report cards. His football coaches love his heart and determination. Even opposing teams' coaches have taken notice of his ability on the field.

As a sophomore this past fall, Juno logged plenty of valuable reps at defensive end as well as tight end. Juno didn't start a single game but when it came time to announce postseason awards, the district coaches named him honorable mention all-district as a defensive end. That's a big sign of respect.

"It was awesome," Juno said. "I thought I played good, but it was good to be recognized by the other coaches."

La Grange football coach Matt Kates, who is also the school's athletic director, has worked with Juno since he was in seventh grade. The coach has always been amazed by how well-rounded and respected a person Juno is on and off the football team.

"He's just one of those kids that is an unbelievable character-type kid," Kates said. "He doesn't say much and comes to work every day."

As a freshman, Juno played on the junior varsity team. The following year, he worked hard to earn a roster spot on varsity. But he didn't expect much playing time as a sophomore. However, that quickly changed.

"I was happy I was on varsity and get to wear the jersey and everything like that," Juno said. "I was definitely surprised, but in a good way."

Juno didn't start any games this year, but generally most games after the starters played the first series, Juno came in as a replacement. He certainly made the most of his time while seeing action.

He finished with 24 tackles, 10 solo, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries and one sack.

At 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, Juno uses his length and athleticism to his advantage. He has a long reach and uses his arms well to create leverage.

Learn More: Semper Fidelis Athlete of the Month presented by the Marines

"We're kind of a moving 3-4 (defense), so we get our five techniques and four techniques on the move," Kates said. "He's so intelligent and coachable and that's another huge reason that he excels. You tell him one thing and he's going to analyze and do everything because coach said so. That's what you fall in love with as well."

Offensively, Juno was used quite a bit when La Grange ran two tight end packages. If Juno lined up on the left side of the line, he was next to his brother, Mason Juno, who was an all-district tackle.

Juno loved getting the opportunity to play with his older brother.

"It was different because being two years apart I've never played with him before," Juno said. "We really bonded. He kind of introduced me to everyone. I definitely think it would have been harder without him."

Juno isn't just a solid football player, but he's a skilled golfer. Last year as a ninth grader, he was La Grange's No. 3 player on the golf team that advanced to state. La Grange placed ninth in 4A as Juno tied for 43rd with a 36-hole score of 176.

"It was a big deal for me because no one's ever done it in La Grange actually before, made it to state," Juno said. "It gives me a lot of confidence going into this year and how we're just going to get better and better."

Juno, 16, didn't really start golfing seriously until about seventh grade. For the last three years, Juno has competed in a number of events on the South Texas PGA junior circuit. In his first career nine-hole tournament in 2016, he brought home first place. That has set the stage for a strong run in golf.

Juno plays on the PGA junior during the summer before transitioning to football in the fall.

"I usually pick up golf right after the football season ends and then I play all through the spring and summer so when football comes, I'm ready for it," Juno said.

Football and golf keep Juno quite busy but there's still plenty of time for Juno to excel in the classroom. He is ninth in the sophomore class with a 4.63 weighed grade point average.

"Both my parents have always instilled in us to do good in the classroom," said Juno, whose parents are both doctors.

Juno is a member of his school's student council. He helps raise funds for in-school events such as prom and fights the War on Drugs campaign.

As an active member of his church, Juno is the president of the youth group and takes part in raising money for local events. Juno takes part in the yearly fundraiser Schmeckenfest through church that raises money for less fortunate kids to attend summer camp. Juno helps set up a booth at town square and sells food and drinks.

When Hurricane Harvey swept through central Texas in 2017, La Grange was hit hard as the Colorado River flooded and decimated homes and businesses. Juno's grandpa owns a food business and his warehouse in La Grange flooded. With his high school closed due to the weather, Juno dedicated his time to helping out his grandpa and getting his community back up and running.

"Every day, there was just so much to clean up," Juno said.

When Juno's brother ruptured his spleen last year in La Grange's playoff football game, Juno was right there to help. He's been integral in raising money to purchase EvoShield equipment to benefit football players on next year's La Grange squad.

Juno is always searching for ways to be a community advocate.

"I've got two girls, seventh- and sixth-grader, and he's the type of young man you hope your girls end up dating," Kates said. "We talk about the three important things in our program: character first, academics second and then athletics third. He's the picture of that for sure; he's just an unbelievable kid. He has an inner drive of being great in everything he does."