Interview: 3-Star 2021 California FS Tommy Griffin Preparing for Repeat Championship Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Corona Del Mar High School does not post a perfect 16-0 season capturing a California state championship in 2019 without key plays on Friday nights, and in the crunch Class of 2021 free safety Tommy Griffin was there for his team. Playing out of the Sunset League against Division-III competition, Griffin put the smack down on 64 plays, 30 solo, with 4.5 tackles for a loss, 19 pass breakups, three picks and one forced fumble. The 6-3, 192-pound, standout also earned some time on offense securing eight passes for 94 yards with two trips into the end zone. The ability to control a team’s secondary dominating against the run and the pass has earned the three-star recruit nine offers with interest from Mountain West and Pac-12 schools rising.
In an RNG first-look interview, Griffin covers ground on his preparation to help the Sea Kings repeat with an update on recruiting.
Interview
Tommy, the Sea Kings turned in a season to remember rolling to 16-0 in 2019 capturing a California state title. How did that championship season help serve as a motivator this offseason to your workouts?
“It gave me a sense of what it is like winning state and how badly we want to do it again.”
As a free safety in the Sea Kings scheme, what were some of the coverages you guys were executing and what were your responsibilities within the schemes?
“I was either a quarter safety or deep middle safety depending on if we were in a Cover 4 or Cover 3.”
How did your game as safety take off last season, especially playing against all the top California talent in the playoffs?
“I was able to play so well because I understood our concepts. I was able to play fast, and not have to think because of my understanding of the defense.”
Where did you show the biggest improvements in your skillset?
“In my man coverage and my ability to cover the whole field with my range.”
Getting time in at receiver during your junior campaign, how has that helped you expand your football IQ as a defensive back?
“It helps a lot. It has helped me understand route concepts, releases, and down and distance. Playing receiver has helped me become a better DB knowing the route concepts and different game situations.”
What roles are you taking on this season?
“You will see me at same positions. On defense I will be at free safety, but in key games I will be on their dominate receiver to try to take him out of the game and in the box for run fit. I will be 100 percent at receiver on offense.”
To get ready for the season, this spring and summer what has been your daily workout routine?
“I make it a goal of mine to have two exercises per day, one on the field or football related and the other a strength workout. One day I do a leg workout in the morning and then one-on-ones later in the day and the next day I am doing arms and running hills. I try to get two in a day.”
What is the best 40-yard time you’ve posted?
“The best I have clocked is a 4.6.”
Nice. Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Oregon State, Cal-Poly, Wyoming, and Arizona State.”
How many offers have come your way?
“Nine.”
Which teams were the last couple to offer?
“UPenn and Columbia.”
Griffin’s Offer Sheet (9): Army, UC-Davis, Columbia, Eastern Washington, Navy, Nevada, Northern Arizona, Pennsylvania, and San Jose State
Dating back to the 2019 season, did you take any visits up until the dead period this spring?
“I did. I went to Colorado for a game and I went to Oregon my sophomore year.”
How did the Colorado visit go?
“That was awesome. Boulder is special. The campus is crazy and the football atmosphere is special. I really enjoyed my visit.”
Once campuses open back up, do you have any planned trips ahead?
“I have none planned. My senior season is my main priority, all the recruiting will fall into place if I do right for my team.”
Tommy, thanks for your time today and good luck this summer with your teammates preparing to go back-to-back.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Griffin family; Tommy Griffin at Colorado and summer workouts (2020)