Kevin Grady said he’s from a part of Grand Rapids that’s mostly Michigan fans, with one notable exception - his grandmother, Alice Jones.

Michigan running back Kevin Grady looks for an opening against Western Michigan earlier this year. Grady says he has some good-natured banter with relatives when it comes to talking about Michigan and Michigan State loyalties. (Photo: Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com)

Seems Jones has always rooted for Michigan State, and even two of her grandchildren playing for the Wolverines - Kevin’s brother, Kelvin, is a wide receiver and former basketball player at Michigan - hasn’t changed that.

“She doesn’t talk trash, but she lets us know that she’s still a State fan, too,” Kevin Grady said.

Since Michigan State beat Michigan last year, 35-21, Grady said a handful of relatives, including his grandmother, haven’t let him live it down.

Michigan (4-0) and MSU (1-3) renew their rivalry Saturday at Spartan Stadium (noon, Big Ten Network).

“I let them talk and get all the laughs and everything else in and try to get ready for this game this week so we can change the outcome,” Grady said.

Why not excommunicate them?

“I couldn’t do that,” he said. “I’m real close to her. She does all my baking for me, so I couldn’t just cut her out like that.”

Jones’ baking has served Grady well in his transition to fullback this year.

The 5-foot-9, 226-pound steam engine caught two passes for 18 yards in Michigan’s 36-33 win over Indiana last week. Both went for first downs in the second half, and the second came on a crucial third-and-three play on Michigan’s first fourth-quarter scoring drive.

"He's one of those guys that, 'Coach, just tell me what you want me to do,'" Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said. "He's blocking well, he caught a couple big passes in the last game and he's ready to run it, too."

Though Grady's career hasn't gone quite as expected - one of the most accomplished backs in Michigan high school history, he has just 40 yards rushing the last two years - he said he's happy with the way things have played out.

As a true freshman, he played in Michigan's Rose Bowl loss to USC, and now he’s the starting fullback on the nation's 22nd-ranked team.

“I’ve embraced the change and my role on this team,” Grady said. “I’m having fun with it. We got four wins so I’m happy, and I’ll continue to be happy hopefully after this next week.”

Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.