Interview: 2019 Georgia DT DeAngelo Griffin Starting Season Off Dominating the Field Again

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

As much as things may have changed for Crisp County High School and their standout defensive tackle DeAngelo Griffin since last season, it does the heart good to see some things have remained the same. After a dominating season on the field in 2016, Griffin has picked up right where he left off being a terror in the trenches for the Cougars ready to ransack opposing Georgia offenses throughout his junior campaign.

The progression on the field for Griffin shocks few of those around him; after all they have seen it coming for a very long time. Griffin was able to crack the varsity squad as an eighth grader putting together a stat line as a freshman that made upperclassmen jealous. In 2015, Griffin put an end to 67 plays, 33 solo, with 12 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles through 10 games. As Griffin’s body grew and matured, so did his game. His sophomore season was no slump adding 76 tackles, 36 solo, 12 tackles for a loss, three sacks, six quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble to his resume.

Griffin’s rise in abilities pose a problem for opposing offenses forcing double-teams on most plays opening opportunities for his teammates to succeed. Even while fighting off multiple linemen play after play, Griffin still dictates opponent’s drives primarily lining up at nose guard. He was a key influencer to the Cougars’ 2016 campaign that saw a run of 13-0 until meeting eventual state champ Cedar Grove in the semifinal round of Georgia’s 3A playoffs. The deep playoff run helped Division-I teams like Arkansas, Wake Forest, Tuskegee, Kent State, Campbell, UAB, Western Kentucky, and South Carolina to drop an offer.

After three years on the varsity roster, Griffin is back for his fourth entering his junior season as a force to be reckoned with. If Game 1 of the season is any indicator for the 6-1, 300 pound, line mover, expect another dominating performance from the Cordele area product. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Griffin covering his offseason workouts while previewing how the Cougars look going into the 2017 schedule.

Interview

DeAngelo, you’ve been at the varsity level since your eighth-grade season. Over the years, how has your game evolved and improved?

“Early on when I was at the varsity level, even during my freshman year, I was not as big and strong as I am now. Out of middle school I was about 5-11, 250 pounds. Sometimes I did well and sometimes I did not do so well. Now, I have everything going how I want it to go.”

What was the playoff run like for you last season?

“That was great going 13-1. We had a great coaching staff. We had a great team too. We were pushing for 14-0 but fell short.”

The season may not have ended the way you guys wanted, but advancing to the semifinal round against eventual state champs Cedar Grove had to have benefit for the offseason and fall camp. How did that experience help push the team forward leading up to the 2017 season?

“When we lost, that gave us motivation for this year. When we get back in the playoffs this year, we will do better than last year.”

Getting down and dirty in the trenches is the fun part about being a lineman. Did you square off against any challenging offensive linemen last year and, if so, how did that showdown help improve your game?

“I did not have much of a challenge in the season until the playoffs when we faced Cedar Grove. They had two guards that went to Georgia (Netori Johnson (6-4, 325) and Justin Shaffer (6-5, 330)). Going up against them helped me with my hands and my pad level.”

Have you seen a change in how offenses scheme against you?

“No, sir. When we go against teams, they always double-team me. That leaves someone open on our defense to make a play.”

What all have you worked on this offseason to fine-tune your skillset for your junior year?

“I worked on my pad level, my get off, and shooting my hands in the right spot.”

Did you max out this offseason?

“Yes, sir. My bench is 315, squat 495, and my clean is 300.”

Nice. When you talk to college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your game?

“They tell me they want me to play for them. They like my weight and how I take on double-teams. They love the way I shoot my hands, and tell me I have powerful hands.”

Last season you got a couple of carries out of the backfield (6 carries, 12 yards, 2 TDs), any chance we will see you carry the pigskin again in 2017?

“(Laughs) We got new coaches this year, I’m not sure if I’ll get any carries or not. I’m hoping for it.”

Where all will we see you on the field this year?

“Primarily at the 4-technique. It depends on the game and who we are playing. They’ll switch me around some on the line.”

You guys started the season out on the right foot with a statement win against Dooly County (40-18). How did the game go for you?

“It was great. I had five tackles for a loss and 10 total tackles. They had a scrambling quarterback so I did not get any sacks.”

Silly question but, are you excited to be back in pads showcasing your skills?

“Yes, sir. I was ready to hit somebody.”

Are there any other games on the schedule you are excited to play this year?

“All of our home games and our first home game against Turner County (Ashburn). That is a big rival game. Another game I am excited to play is Brooks County (Quitman).”

How many offers do you have now?

“I think I have nine or ten.”

Which teams have extended offers to you?

“Arkansas, Wake Forest, Tuskegee, Kent State, Campbell, Georgia Southern, UAB, Western Kentucky, and South Carolina.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Georgia, Auburn, and Michigan.”

Did you take any unofficial visits over the spring or summer?

“Yes, sir. I went to South Carolina and Wake Forest.”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned for this fall?

“I’m trying to get up to Arkansas this fall for a game.”

Do you know when or for which game?

“I’m not sure when yet.”

What goals have you set for yourself for your junior season?

“I want 90 tackles and a lot of tackles for a loss. I want to go 15-0 with my boys.”

DeAngelo, thanks for your time today and good luck with the 2017 season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Griffin family; DeAngelo Griffin at a South Carolina camp (2017)

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 54 DeAngelo Griffin between plays (2016)

Photo credit: Griffin family; DeAngelo Griffin (right) with Will Muschamp and Jahlil Taylor