Graves attended Southeast Valley High School, where he participated in football, basketball, track and field, and wrestling.[1] As a freshman, he tallied 67 tackles with 15 being for a loss, and ten sacks.[2] As a senior, Graves totaled 18.5 tackles for loss, and eight and a half sacks.[3] He was named the MaxPreps Male National Athlete of the Year.[1] Graves committed to play college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes.[4]
College career
Graves made his collegiate debut in week 2 of the 2022 season versus Iowa State.[5] He finished his freshman season in 2022 notching 15 tackles with six being for a loss, and three sacks.[6] In 2023, Graves 37 tackles with four and a half going for a loss, two and a half sacks, a pass deflection, and a forced fumble.[7]