Groce attended St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, and was a letterman in football and track athletics.
As a red shirt sophomore, Groce broke Ralph Brown's school record for pass breakups in a season with 17.
[1] In 2001, as a redshirt junior, Groce had his most productive season, starting every game at cornerback as well as returning kickoffs and punts.
[2] Additionally, Groce was named a First-team AP All-American for his punt-return duties, finishing fourth nationally with 17.0 yards per punt return.
Additionally, Groce joined 1972 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers as the only players in NU history to amass 1,000 career punt return yards.