Interview: 2018 California WR Kashan Griffin Updates Workouts and Talks Nevada Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A college football recruiting class among Mountain West and Pac-12 teams is never truly complete without the addition of a California talent or two; or more. Year after year, programs from across the country attempt to harvest the rich and deep classes the Golden State offers with some having more success than others. One out of state program that continually has success in California is Nevada. The Wolf Pack has nine verbal commits to their 2018 class with six of the players hailing from Cali. One of the rising stars in UNR’s haul from Cali is 6-0, 165 pound, Kashan Griffin.
Telling to see how college coaches fit the puzzle of their classes, and where they get their talent from to produce winning seasons on the gridiron. Nevada has lured strong-armed quarterback Carson Strong out of California piecing him with a top target for years to come in Griffin. Griffin has been a two-way standout for Apple Valley over the past two seasons. During his sophomore season, he pulled in 10 passes for 98 yards and then stopped 37 plays with a forced fumble, a pick, and two passes defended playing corner. He stepped up his game helping the Sun Devils to an 8-3 season a year ago snagging 49 passes for 714 yards with six scores and tallied 41 tackles with two passes broken up and two picks.
During the second season, Griffin extended his skillset on both sides of the ball playing 7v7 with all-star squad Ground Zero. The additional work in the weight room, on the Sun Devils practice field, and against top California talent in 7v7 tournaments led to a July 12 joining of forces between the Wolf Pack and Griffin.
Ahead of his senior season, I sat down with Griffin covering ground on his off-season workouts and his commitment to Nevada with a look ahead to the 2017 schedule.
Interview
Kashan, you have a big season coming up. How are you preparing for your senior year?
“I’m doing a lot of workouts. I workout with my position coaches trying to get ready for the season.”
What areas of your game are you focused on with your workouts this summer?
“My routes, with a focus on great route running.”
Did you play 7v7 ball this off-season?
“Yes. I played with Ground Zone.”
How did 7v7 help your game?
“It helped me read defenses better.”
Did you run a 40-yard dash this off-season, and if so, what was your best time?
“My best40 time was a 4.4 at Apple Valley this spring.”
Which camps have you attended so far this summer?
“A Washington camp and a TCU at APU (Azusa Pacific).”
Which of the two was your best camp?
“TCU.”
What did you do well there?
“I won the fastest man challenge.”
Nice. Which position did you attend the camps playing?
“Receiver.”
Which schools were showing interest in you before your commitment to Nevada?
“UNLV, Washington State, and Arizona State. Arizona State has also offered me.”
On July 12, you verbally committed to Nevada. What led you to commit to Nevada? How did you know that was the school for you?
“The atmosphere of UNR is good. I like the coaches and the coaches like me. They make me feel at home when I am there. I have a great relationship with Coach E (Eric Scott – receivers).”
What was that moment like for you when you realized a dream was coming true getting to play college football?
“It was crazy. I was happy. Dreams do come true.”
Which coach did you give your verbal commitment to first?
“Coach Scott.”
How did Coach Scott respond to your commitment?
“He was very happy. He said he always wanted me.”
How will they use you within their offensive scheme?
“As a slot receiver.”
Have you set up your official visit to Reno yet?
“Not yet.”
Have you started connecting with other UNR recruits?
“Jaden Dedman (Upland cornerback). He’s one of my guys.”
Looking ahead, how is Apple Valley coming together entering the 2017 schedule?
“We look pretty good. I feel like it will be a great season.”
What will be some of the strengths of Apple Valley’s team this year?
“Our defense will be strong this year. Our offense will get in there, but I think our defense will be stronger.”
Where all will you play on the field this year?
“Receiver, corner, kick and punt returner.”
Are you excited about the 2017 season?
“Yeah. The atmosphere at our school… I can’t wait to get under the Friday night lights.”
What goals have you set for yourself for your senior year?
“I want to break the single-season receiving yards mark at our school. I want over 1,000 receiving yards and I want to average two touchdowns a game.”
What game on the schedule are you most excited to play?
“Victor Valley.”
Kashan, thanks for your time today and good luck with your senior season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: Griffin family; Kashan Griffin at Nevada (July 2017).