Kenneth Anio gutted through the spring sessions, then got his knee fixed.
The starting cornerback, second on the team’s secondary for total tackles in 2008, actually suffered a partial miniscus tear in last year’s win over Southern in the nationally televised Bayou Classic — but played on.
“It wasn’t too bad,” said Anio, who started against Jackson State in the SWAC Championship Game, making two tackles. “I’m feeling better. I’m back to walking now. I’ll just have to rehab once I get back from spring break.”
He was a steady presence during the just-completed spring sessions, too. Anio said he waited to have the procedure because he wanted to preserve continuity on a team working toward consecutive championships.
“I didn’t want it to cause any problems during the season,” Anio said.
Last year, Anio made 45 total tackles, sixth overall at Grambling. He was also second on the team with five picks, and with 135 yards on interception returns.
As a junior, he started six in six games and played in all 12, making 49 tackles and snatching two interceptions. Anio played in eight games as a sophomore, too, starting in the 2006 season finale.
Anio has 109 career tackles, and 8 picks, going into his final year of eligibility at Grambling.
Now that's focus… a trademark of this squad.