Interview: 2018 Nevada WR Commit Kashan Griffin Having Standout Season in All Three Phases

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Class of 2018 athlete Kashan Griffin is following the high school football guidelines to perfection. Each season he has improved his game taking a big step up during his senior campaign. The big addition to his overall game in 2017 is a feared return specialist helping Apple Valley High School to a perfect start to their season.

The progression forward for Griffin has been noticeable on both sides of the ball. In 2015, he caught 10 passes for 98 yards and shinned through on defense putting an end to 37 plays with two passes defended, a pick, and a forced fumble. More responsibilities were put onto his shoulders during his junior year having a breakout performance at receiver snagging 49 passes for 714 yards with six trips into the end zone in 11 games. The defensive stats improved with 41 tackles, one tackle for a loss, two picks, and two passes defended. The Sun Devils gave the fans a peak at things to come having Griffin return two kicks for 39 yards and one punt for seven.

All high school players should be at their best come their senior year, and Griffin is giving off that signal. He has 14 receptions for 215 yards with five touchdowns and one 18-yard rushing touchdown on offense. Defensive stats can be hard to come by in the secondary, but he is putting in the time. Fourteen tackles with two picks and a forced fumble through five games is enough to keep opposing quarterbacks and running backs going the other way.

On June 30, Nevada picked up a commitment from the California three-star prospect, but maybe even the Wolf Pack coaching staff did not fully realize what they were getting with Griffin as a potential special teams contributor. The 6-0, 165 pound, game changer has taken nine kicks back the other way covering 413 yards with a long of 93-yards, a 46-yard per return average, and has a 60-yard punt return bumping his total trips to the end zone for the year to 11.

Thanks in part to Griffin’s play in all three phases, the Sun Devils are off to a 5-0 start and are one of the top teams in California’s Division-X classification. In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Griffin covering the great start to his senior year and to see if any colleges are trying to sway him away from the Wolf Pack on the recruiting trail.

Interview

Kashan, the team has started off 5-0 and other than the opening game against Silverado (40-39) have had walk-away wins. What is working so well for the team contributing to the great start?

“Our special teams, we work on that a lot in practice. That can change games.”

How are your talents coming through this season after working so hard in the offseason?

“I’m doing a lot for the team. My experience is coming out after three years of varsity football. On special teams, I have been making big plays there.”

Which parts of your game are you most proud of this year?

“My special teams play, that has been a big part of the season. Our special teams – everyone is blocking making it easier for me. My speed has improved.”

Which areas of your game are you continuing to work on throughout the season?

“My main position is receiver, so I am always working to improve there. I am working on that a lot, but I am also working on getting better as a defensive back too.”

How will Oak Hills challenge you guys on Friday?

“It will be a dogfight. It will be a battle between two good teams. I cannot wait for it. Their offense is very good. Their run game will give us a test.”

How are teams trying to challenge you in the secondary?

“Teams are challenging by bracketing me, but we are moving around to stop the bracketing.”

Are there any games left on the schedule you are excited to play?

“Burroughs (Oct. 13) and Serrano (Oct. 20).”

What do the Sun Devils have to do to finish the season undefeated?

“We have to keep working hard. We have three words to follow: Believe – believe in one another, Sacrifice – sacrifice for one another, and Inspire – inspire one another.”

Any teams trying to sway you away from Nevada?

“UNLV and Washington State are in touch with me.”

Have you taken any official visits yet?

“Not yet.”

Have you set any visits?

“I’m going to Reno when Nevada plays UNLV (Nov. 25).”

Kashan, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Oak Hills.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Kashan Griffin 7v7 action

Photo credit: HSPN Sports; No. 7 Kashan Griffin