Interview: 2017 Louisiana SS Daquirs Griffin Fielding 18 JUCO Offers and Counting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Having options in life is always a good thing. For Ellender High School Class of 2017 safety Daquirs Griffin, he has more options than he knows what to do with regarding his immediate future with a bright upside coming around the corner on the gridiron.
Ellender High School fought through a tough schedule in 2016 ending their year with a winning record going 6-5. One of the leaders for the Patriots on defense was Griffin. The 6-2, 180 pound, defender has been a run consistent stuffer for the Houma squad over the past two seasons elevating his game against the opposition’s aerial assault during his senior campaign. At the end of his junior season, Griffin had 51 tackles, two tackles for a loss, five passes broken up, and one fumble recovery. At the end of 11 games in 2016, Griffin had 60 tackles, one tackle for a loss, and one fumble recovery. An added bonus to his game that college coaches love, the Houma area talent had five interceptions while breaking up six attempts.
A classification misunderstanding in the classroom will prevent Griffin from heading straight to the Division-I level, but the young man is not with options to further is academic and athletic career. To date, 18 junior college programs have offered Griffin laying down a path forward for him to pursue his dreams.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, Griffin gives insight on his senior season and piling junior college options.
Interview
Daquirs, when did you get the call up to the varsity level?
“My sophomore year. Our safeties had some broken bones allowing me an opportunity. I have been competing at the varsity level ever since. I’ve been working hard to help my team out the best way I can.”
How did your role change this year compared to 2015?
“We had a transfer from California that came in to play wide receiver. I let him have it so I could focus solely on defense. On defense, I played some corner, strong safety, and free safety. Sometimes I had to play all the positions in the secondary.”
What responsibilities did you have at safety? Were you a run first kind of safety or was your primary responsibility playing deep against the pass?
“Some teams liked to run the ball against us. I would come up to stop the run. After watching film, they would drop me back in coverage against the pass-heavy teams. I have good hands back there.”
How did your game improve?
“I had to step up a lot as a team leader this year. I had to lead the team. Our program was not a winning program until this year. We had a whole new system this year. We had to buy in under a new coaching staff. I had to step up and show that the new system would work for my teammates. On the field, the game slowed down a lot since my sophomore year. It was like being back in JV (junior varsity), it was fun because everything was so slow. Varsity became that way for me this year.”
What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2016?
“I was not pleased because we did not go as far as I thought we would.”
Which team did you post your best game in 2016?
“My best against St. Martinville (won 41-27). I had three interceptions in that game and I took one to the house.”
During the off-season what was your best 40-yard dash time?
“I ran a 4.5 at a camp.”
Have you already started your off-season workouts?
“Yeah, I started that already.”
What are you working on or what is your focus this off-season?
“Getting faster, having better agility, and getting my legs stronger.”
Are you playing any spring sports?
“Basketball and track.”
Which schools are recruiting you right now?
“Tennessee and Tulane were in contact with me.”
How many JUCO offers do you have right now?
“I have 18 offers.”
Which JUCOs are recruiting you the hardest?
“Iowa Western, Butler, Fort Scott, Arizona Western, and East Mississippi.”
What type of feedback have you received from these colleges?
“All positive, they like my film.”
What is your time frame on making a decision?
“I will decide after I do my visits on signing day.”
Do you know which schools you might visit?
“I’m not sure yet.”
What are the main factors you will consider in choosing a college?
“Really the education and the school feeling like home.”
Last question, for fun. Who do you have winning the college football semifinals?
“Bama and Clemson, Clemson is getting better.”
Daquirs, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: houmatoday.com; No. 6 Daquirs Griffin.
Photo credit: nola.com; No. 6 Daquirs Griffin.