Bobby Grant always has had the gift of speed. Combine that with the athletic ability to leap over barriers and you have one of the top high school hurdlers in the state.

Grant was as a sophomore at Phoenix Brophy Prep a year ago when one of the Broncos’ coaches, Tim O’Neil, suggested he add hurdles to his resume.

“The coaches asked me about trying the hurdles and I said, “Sure, sounds fun,’ ’’ Grant said.

“I had one meet before the Chandler Rotary (annual meet) to practice, and then when I got to that meet, I finished third. It was pretty cool.’’

He also hit most of the hurdles in the early going but that didn’t last long.

Grant went on to post a strong finish in the 300 after struggling in the 110s at the state meet, but had the good foundation.

He hopes to compete in both hurdles events at state this year along with the 100, 200, 400 and relay events.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he had one of the top 10 times (300 hurdles) in the nation this year,’’ O’Neil said. “I look back on that first meet and what he did after agreeing to try the hurdles and you think, “Wow, there might be a future for him.’ ’’

There are two kinds of hurdlers, O’Neil said. One uses more power and explosiveness, such as current Brophy star Devon Allen and former Bronco Ray Polk. Grant fits into the other category, O’Neil said, more of an aerobic-endurance-type. Former Brophy hurdler Harry Danielevics also was that type.

“It takes something different to be a good hurdler, and all of those guys have it,’’ O’Neil said.

Grant wasn’t really sure which direction to go as a grade-schooler. His goal was to be a baseball player for Brophy, but then one of his coaches suggested he try track because he had a great deal of speed. There was no turning back after that.

Now his week consists of a conditioning workout on Monday and Wednesday, technique and getting out of the blocks on Tuesday and Thursday, with meets mostly on Friday and/or Saturday.

“Running the hurdles is challenging, that’s for sure,’’ Grant said. “I’m not the tallest guy (5-feet-10, 170 pounds) but I am fast and I can carry my speed for a long time.’’

Like Allen, Grant plays football, but his 2012 season was very limited because he fractured a thumb and tore ligaments in a preseason scrimmage. He was limited to punt and kickoff coverage, but hopes to see his playing time increase this fall as a running back and cornerback.

He said the injury “made me mad and sad. I wanted t make an impact, but I learned even more that it is all about the team. I helped the coaches on day-to-day things, didn’t worry so much about what was ahead. I still do that. I don’t worry so much about the meets. I worry about what I can do to get better on a particular day.’’

Grant is starting to receive attention from colleges for his track exploits. One of them is Oregon, which will have Allen run track and play football there, and pole vaulter Cole Walsh made a recent commitment.

“That would be cool to join those guys there, but I still have a lot of work to do,’’ Grant said.

Brophy finished second to Chandler at last year’s Division I state meet, and Grant says the Broncos are capable of claiming the top spot this time around.

“Chandler is always good, but there’s no doubt we have a chance,’’ Grant said. “Our throwing corps (shot put, discus) is better than last year, and I think we have more depth. We are focused. This may be the best team we’ve ever had.’’