Former ACA QB Throws TD Pass Against Alabama

Somewhere in Bryant-Denny Stadium, a loyal contingent of local fans cheered.

Not for Alabama, who had just conceded its first touchdown of the game late in the fourth quarter, but for Middle Tennessee State quarterback Austin Grammer, a Tuscaloosa native.

With 6:11 to go, Grammer, a redshirt junior who played at American Christian Academy, found a wide-open Rod Ducksworth in the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown.

It was Grammer’s lone pass attempt and the Blue Raiders’ only touchdown in a 37-10 loss at No. 2 Alabama on Saturday, but one worth savoring.

“It was something I’ve dreamed about since I was 4 or 5 years old, watching this team and this atmosphere, as a young fan growing up,” Grammer said after the game. “Obviously I grew up wanting to be on the other side, but the fact that I got to come back and play for this team (was great).”

At ACA, Grammer guided the Patriots to consecutive state semifinal appearances in 2010 and 2011. As a senior, he completed 196 of 264 passes (74.2 completion percentage) for 3,007 yards and 30 touchdowns, while throwing only four interceptions.

During his recruitment, Grammer initially committed to Houston, but a coaching change at the school forced him to look elsewhere, leading him to sign with Middle Tennessee State. He also had held offers from Florida Atlantic, Samford and Temple.

Grammer came into Saturday’s game against the Crimson Tide as the Blue Raiders backup quarterback, playing behind redshirt freshman Brent Stockstill, son of MTSU head coach, Rick.

Last season, as the Blue Raiders’ starter, Grammer completed 221 of 338 passes for 2,557 yards and 17 touchdowns, while running for additional 442 yards and six scores.

Grammer took to Twitter before and after Saturday's game: