JohnGruenschlaeger

* SEC Academic Honor Roll (2012)

Has played primarily on special teams, working to earn more action on offensive plays this season … Massive offensive lineman is the tallest player ever to play football at Kentucky … Joined the team in the fall of 2011 … Very intelligent player … Coaches often have commented on the remarkable progress he has made during his time at UK … Has played in 24 games.

2013 (Sophomore): Played in all 12 games, seeing most of his action on special teams.
2012 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 12 games, seeing most action on special teams.
2011 (Freshman): Redshirted.
High School: Three-year letterwinner as an offensive and defensive lineman at Newport Central Catholic, helping the team to 35 wins during that stretch … Helped the team to a 2A state championship as a senior … Earned an award from the Northern Kentucky Football Coaches Association, while also being named Cincinnati Enquirer all-star in 2010 … Coached by Eddie Eviston … Played basketball for one season at center … Was a member of the Drama Club, Pep Club and school newspaper … Made honor roll all 12 trimesters in high school.
Personal: Born in Fort Thomas, Ky. … Son of Steve and Mary Gruenschlaeger … Steve played football at the University of Cincinnati … Sister, Annie, played volleyball at Morehead State, while other sister, Elizabeth, competes in track and field at UK … Plans a major in accounting.
Community Cats: Helped pack and deliver food for God’s Pantry program (2012) … Helped with Big Blue U Move-in (2011, `12) … Did a speaking engagement at St. Michael’s Church (2013).
John Says … My nickname is: Jack and the Beanstalk (thanks Coach Marrow) … If I could trade places with any athlete, it would be: Zach West … Other than the NFL, my dream job is: dog whisperer … I couldn’t live without my: internal organs, skin and bones … If I could witness any event, past, present or future, it would be: Marty McFly going back to the future … My go-to song to get ready for a game is: My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion … My hidden talent is: making really strange noises … Something people might not know about me is: my dance moves are sicker than Jordan Swindle … The celebrity I’d like to be best friends with is: Coach Stoops … What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Shut up.