Interview: Tre Griffin is a Missed on Tremendous 2021 Athletic Louisiana Talent

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The season put forth by Ferriday’s Delta Charter during the 2019 season produced a breakout star in the Sportsman’s Paradise – Class of 2021 athlete Tre Griffin. Griffin was downright amazing in all three phases of the game carrying his 1A team to a 4-8 season going up levels playing against 3 and 4A Louisiana programs. On a team with only 20 players on the roster, Griffin had no choice but to step up and be the man, and that he did.

With opposing teams focusing on Griffin, he still rushed for 1,248 yards off 148 totes with 13 trips into the end zone. He added five receptions for 70 yards producing 1,800 total yard and 15 scores. He further showcased his game changing abilities on special teams taking 20 kicks back for 462 yards. Playing in the Storm’s secondary, the 5-9, 175-pound, defender tallied 47 tackles, 23 solo with nine passes broken up, two picks, and forced a fumble. Despite all the unbelievable plays and consistent performance on the gridiron, next level scouts have been slow finding this unique recruit.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the South’s top under the radar prospects in the junior class learning more about his prodigious play on the field.

Interview

Tre, you had an amazing all-around season in 2019. Those are my words; in your words how did it go?

“It was good for me. I enjoyed it. It was a good season stat wise. We started out with 25 players and then lost five; we played the season with 20 guys. We were playing 3A and 4A schools. We survived the season, and we were never shut out.”

Impressive. You were an impact player in all three phases of the game. Where all did you lineup for the Storm?

“Running back, defensive back, slot, safety, kick and punt returner.”

Before we get into the superlatives of your play on the field. How did you prepare over the offseason for the load you carried in 2019?

“During summer and spring workouts, all that work helped me out and the personal stuff I did on the side along with the camps prepared me for the 2019 season.”

You had to take up all the ice in Ferriday on Friday and Saturday after the games you produced. How did you take care of your body so you could perform at an elite level come game time?

“The ice baths and therapy for sure helped. I soaked in Epson salt too. I got treatment and watched film for the next team we played.”

Tell me about your game on offense. What set are you guys running and how were the coaches getting you the rock?

“We ran two sets, a wing set, with me and someone else in the wings, and a single-back set. We ran a lot of zone plays, sweeps, screens – they were giving me the ball in a lot of different ways.”

Flipping the field, on defense, what defensive scheme were you running and what are your responsibilities?

“We mainly ran man and zone, Cover 3 and 4, and some Cover 1. On the zone plays, I was covering the deep third or the curls and flats. In Cover 1, I was man up.”

There is a no fear mindset one has to have to be an effective kick returner. What is your mindset when you take back a kick?

“Don’t look down and keep my eyes on the ball. I don’t want to worry about someone coming full speed at me. I trust my guys that they will get their blocks. I don’t want to worry about that. I trust my blockers.”

Looking at all the games in 2019, which was your best performance?

“The game against Delhi High School, I had over 200 yards with four rushing touchdowns, and a pick-six. I received the K104, a local sports channel, Impact Player of the Week Award for my game that week. In northeast Louisiana and Monroe area, that is a big deal.”

That’s fantastic. Which schools are now showing interest?

“Princeton, Air Force, Southern Louisiana, and Arkansas-Monticello.”

Are you taking any visits coming up?

“On Dec. 13, I plan to visit Belhaven in Mississippi.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“My GPA is 3.3.”

Nice. Last question. With the offseason here, what will be the focus of your workouts?

“Mainly my strength and speed. I want to keep those up. My strength and speed carried me this season. Some of the runs I had, I cannot even explain it. Mentally, I want to work on my film breakdown. I want to get better at that. I want to know what the offense is running before they run it.”

Tre, it was great spending time with you trying to cover all that you do so well on the field.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Natchez Democrat: No. 13 Tre Griffin in action