NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Troy Griffin, RB, Southwestern Assemblies of God

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you.

What is your name?

Troy Griffin

What is your Height/Weight?

5′ 9” / 212

What is your position?

RB

Where do you play college football?

Southwestern Assemblies of God University 

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

1 team New Mexico Highlands University

How did you choose your school?

Only Scholarship offer 

Where are you from?

Houston, Tx. 

Who is your role model, and why?

My parents are my role models. Just to see the trait of being a hardworker and how far it can take you. Motivates me with my craft yet alone through life and the importance of establishing a relationship with God.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

One scout from the Carolina Panther John Peterson (Area Scout). He referred me to Mark Koncv (Professional Scout) in Carolina Panthers organization where I just emailed him my information and waiting for feedback. I haven’t talked to any other scouts, but I been doing a lot of leg work with reaching out to different organizations amongst the NFL/CFL selling myself the best way possible. I currently got drafted by two arena teams Savannah Steam who I currently play for now and the Corpus Christi Fury. I pursued arena ball right after my fall season to keep myself active and obtain more film to showcase my talent amongst a professional level.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Baseball, Basketball, and Track. 

Did you play any other positions in football?

WR

At your position, what separates you from others?

I’m a patient running back with great vision/footwork who gets north and south off a one cut and go type running style. I can catch out the backfield well as line up at slot or the outside at WR. I can read a a defense from the technique the defensive linemen, to how many backers or in the box, and the coverage the secondary could be showing during my pre-snap read. In my career I was very successful on third downs and goal line situations. I’m a complete every down running back who can be used any where on the field. 

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

My pre-snap read I’m looking to see how many players are in the box and the technique the defensive lineman are in up to how the backers may flow to the ball once they take their first initial step when the play is developing. I do the same for the defensive lineman and pick out how they like to come off the ball if its beat the Offensive lineman around the edge, attack outside and spin to the inside, or bull rush the offensive lineman. I check and see if the linebackers naturally flow sideline to sideline then pursue or if they are quick to attack once the ball is snap.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

I myself was the toughest player I face. Just for the simple fact I am my own competition and my own worse credit who competes with myself to get better day in and day out. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

Emmitt Smith. He was a patient runner who ran hard but was relentless no mater the circumstance. He face the same or similar criticism that I face with being to slow and not a fast back for the league. Emmitt was a very hard worker and didn’t settle nor stop after being rejected or label as someone who couldn’t get the job done.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Chasing my dream and stepping out on the limb of faith pursuing something that few get to be apart of. I overcome it by consistently working hard and praying to God. Its a everyday grind on this journey of life to remain focus and stay true to what you believe in and achieving short term goals well as long term goals. 

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Taking a dump (#2) before every game preferably before warm-ups, and giving God thanks for the opportunity to compete. 

What is your biggest strength?

Big Heart, Self- Motivated, Self- Determined, Undeniable Faith, Strong Willed.

What is your biggest weakness?

Receiving gifts from others because I always been a giver. 

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

My name is Troy Griffin and I can contribute to your organization on the field well as off the field. I’m a hard worker/motivator who is very passionate for the game of football and refuse to shut down when the wait of the world is on my shoulders. 

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Steve Smith and the Carolina Panthers. Just cause of the dog mentality that he plays with while having a chippy edge when approaching a defense. Ever since 2003 when the Carolina Panthers played in the Super Bowl in Houston, Tx. And Janet Jackson/ Justin Timberlake had the All- Star performance with the removing of her chest garment. I became a fan since I was 12 years old. Hahaha it was quite the experience to have.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

Grandfathers, Tupac, Martin Luther King Jr.