Grayson Saunier ’27 has been lighting it up on the gridiron in his first season as the starting quarterback for Dartmouth football. His intensity and top-tier athleticism have been noticeable in his first two starts. The junior gunslinger is coming off a huge win at Central Connecticut State University, where he threw for 407 passing yards and two clutch touchdowns, including a game-sealing bomb with seconds on the clock to put Dartmouth ahead.
Off the field, Saunier’s calm and consistent energy of gratitude has allowed him to excel. On the field, Saunier brings a unique skillset to the quarterback position that elevates the offense as a “dual-threat quarterback,” according to quarterbacks coach Shane Montgomery.
“It’s unique when you do get a guy that can [run and pass] equally well, which is something he gives us in our offense,” Montgomery said.
Embodying this dual-threat archetype forces defenses to gameplan for both abilities, opening up opportunities for other offensive playmakers to excel. Saunier’s playstyle reflects his athletic commitment but also his humility and work ethic, something that stands out to head coach Sammy McCorkle.
“The first thing he said [after an interception] was, ‘Hey man, my bad,’” McCorkle said. “He told the whole team, ‘My bad, but we’re good. We got this.’”
McCorkle also harped on Saunier’s consistency in watching film and doing the little things off the field to get better.
“He takes the extra time to come in and watch film, and ask questions,” McCorkle said. “He’ll bring other players in — wide receivers, other quarterbacks, running backs — and watch film with them.”
Saunier began seeing more action on the field last season when fellow quarterback Jackson Proctor ’25 was injured, and this season as the starter, he has naturally stepped into the leadership role that is necessary for the quarterback position.
“When you get that confidence level that you feel good about what you’re doing, you can be more vocal,” Montgomery said. “He’s become a much better leader, and that’s what the quarterback has to do.”
McCorkle also mentioned the impact that Saunier’s composure and attitude has had on the rest of the team’s success.
“It’s about making everybody else better. And whoever’s in the room watching film with him, he’s making them better,” McCorkle said.
Saunier’s blend of humility and athletic commitment is apparent right away. When reflecting on his recruiting process and his journey to Dartmouth, Saunier emphasized his gratitude for the Big Green.
“[The recruiting process] is crazy, it’s a roller coaster … I’m super thankful and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world,” Saunier said. “I’m just super happy I ended up at Dartmouth.”
The Louisiana product committed to Dartmouth on a visit in his senior year of high school, and he said his experience has been nothing short of amazing. Saunier put a particular emphasis on the “winning culture” Dartmouth football has developed, which initially drove him to join the Big Green. He and his teammates are devoted to maintaining this culture by working hard on the field and building community off of it. Saunier sees this culture not only in the football team but in the school as a whole.
“Strive to be the best that you possibly can be,” Saunier said. “That’s what Dartmouth is all about, that’s what football is all about.”
For him, Dartmouth has brought the best out of both his athletic ability and overall character. When he’s not tossing touchdowns or improvising to create extra yards on the ground, Saunier enjoys spending time with his teammates, who have become his best friends.
Growing up, Saunier was surrounded by sports. His older brother was the previous starting quarterback at his high school, which was crucial in his football journey. Saunier also played soccer, basketball, baseball and track, which he credits in developing team-building skills and his athletic potential. He also contributes much of his success to his faith.
“My faith has been everything for me,” he said. “I had two shoulder surgeries — one in junior year and one in senior year. I really had no idea where I was gonna be. I’m a Christian, and trusting my faith in God … it’s been everything for me.”
Faith guides Saunier through all walks of life, not only in the midst of an intense game, but also in the quieter passing moments with friends and family. With a long season still ahead of him, Saunier is emphasizing a game-to-game mentality.
“There’d be nothing better than to win an Ivy League championship this year with my best friends and do it again next year,” Saunier said. “But, we have to focus on one game at a time.”
Look forward to Grayson Saunier lighting up opposing defenses for the rest of the fall, including away at the University of Pennsylvania this Saturday in the Ivy League opener, and a crucial Homecoming matchup against Yale here in the woods next week.
