Throughout most of its 45-year history, Warren Central has been known as a running team. Great backs like Leo Cage, Carl Blue, Brian Darden and Larry Warner wrote their names in the record book by becoming red-clad locomotives and blurs.

Malcolm Grant is taking a different path to make his mark on WC’s legacy — the air.

Grant, a senior wide receiver, needs seven receptions tonight against Grenada to set the single-season school record. He enters the game with 36 catches for 624 yards and four touchdowns this season.

Cordell Valentine, now at Hinds Community College, set the record with 42 receptions in 2008.

Grant has three games with five receptions or more this season, including an eight-catch, 73-yard effort in a 22-12 loss to Vicksburg last week.

“I appreciate the coaches for getting me involved,” Grant said. “Juco (assistant coach Julius Cosby) tries to get me in the best position to make plays. I appreciate the coaches for having that faith in me.”

The faith came slowly, and mostly out of necessity. Tailback Shon Jackson was the team’s primary offensive weapon until he tore his ACL in the fourth game of the season.

Jackson’s injury left a void in the Vikings’ offense for a playmaker. Grant gradually filled it, combining with quarterback Beau Wallace to become the focal point of the offense.

In the six games since Jackson’s injury, Grant has caught 25 passes. He’s also scored four of WC’s six offensive touchdowns in that span, including two on reverses. He also scored both of WC’s touchdowns in a 14-13 win over Murrah on Oct. 15.

“I felt like I needed to step up at the receiver position,” Grant said. “I felt like I needed to step up, be a leader and try to find the best way to help my team.”

WC coach Josh Morgan said Grant possesses a trait all great receivers seem to have — a desire to get the football and a belief they can score every time they do.

“He doesn’t drop balls. After he catches the ball, he’s extremely dangerous. He’s got one thing on his mind, and that’s to score,” Morgan said. “In a good way, he always wants the ball. It’s not a problem. He’s one of those guys who says he’s open every time.”

Grant’s big senior season is starting to catch the eye of college scouts, as well. The 6-foot, 170-pounder took an unofficial visit to Alcorn State last week and is being recruited by Mississippi Valley State. When the recruiting season begins in earnest in January, more offers are likely to follow from junior colleges and smaller four-year schools.

“I’m looking forward to playing at the next level. There’s some things I need to work on, mainly my speed. But I feel like I can work on them and play at the next level,” Grant said. “I feel like I’ve got pretty good hands and run good routes. I’m not a 6-3, 6-4 type receiver, but I feel like I’m still a good, quality receiver.”