Interview: 2019 QB Chase Griffin Filling Up Stat Sheet as One of the Best in Texas

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Chase Griffin is back at it again in 2017 filling up the stat sheet in a hurry against Texas 5A competition. The one big difference between his breakout sophomore season and impressive junior campaign – just how much more prolific he has become in the pocket.

Fans of Hippos football were delighted throughout the 2016 season seeing Griffin sling the ball around the yard. In 11 games played, Griffin proved to be an emerging Lone Star State talent completing 227-of-363 passes for 3,056 yards with 31 touchdowns.

Hutto High School posted a 7-4 record in 2016, but fans could see the beginnings of something great brewing. The Hippos have taken the field in 2017 with force racing to a 4-0 mark working their way to being one of the best teams in their division. The field general for the charge forward on offense has been Griffin. Griffin is among the top passers in Texas regardless of classification or grade, No. 6 per MaxPreps, having tossed for 1,376 yards with 12 touchdowns completing 82-of-123 pass attempts with only one pick. A passer first by trade, Griffin is expanding his dual-threat abilities with two rushing scores on the season.

Griffin is as good as any, and improving. His highlight film shows a quarterback with a great arm and an understanding of the game beyond most college quarterbacks. His mastery of shoulder manipulations and look-offs moving safeties and corners around the field like they were on a marionette is fun to watch, and almost unfair for the opposition – he just does it too well.

College coaches are starting to respond to his play on the field with an offer from Yale and reported looks from California, Washington, Duke, Houston, and TCU. Sadly, no matter how amazing and how prolific, for now Griffin will have to fight against one pervasive football prejudice – his height. At 5-10, 186 pounds, Griffin does not fit the ideal frame most college coaches want in their pocket on Saturday game days. But those wise enough to take a closer look might reap the rewards for overlooking one football stereotype.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising Class of 2019 quarterback covering the early part of the season with a look into his recruiting process.

Interview

Chase, last time out you scorched Pflugerville for 498 yards hitting 23-of-29 passes with four touchdowns without throwing a pick and had two rushing touchdowns. Fantastic game. What was clicking for you in that game allowing you to be so productive?

“The number one thing in that game, I had great practices that week finding the open guy. When you simplify the game plan focusing on completions and taking what is there in practice, then the game becomes easy. That game flowed well. My play-makers were making plays. As a whole, the offense was on the same page.”

Chase, you are putting up some big numbers again this year, of the four games played which has been your best?

“I feel like all four games have been good. This last game was my best efficiency game. The second game of the season (Rudder – won 45-7), I was not as efficient as I wanted to be. The best win was the win in Week 3 against Georgetown (25-23). I think I threw for 360 in that game. This past game, I think, was my best.”

What are the strengths of your game in the pocket?

“My biggest strength is snap-to-pass. I get the ball out quicker than anyone else. I pride myself on my pre-snap reads. I have a check list before each play. That helps me know what I will do for each play with each game. I base the list on each team off their tendencies. Also, I do not immediately run out of the pocket, I use small movements so my receivers can get open. I have great awareness in the pocket. Another strength, I am very accurate.”

Which aspects of your game are you continually working on week after week during the season?

“Something that is getting better with each game has been my running. I worked a lot this offseason on getting faster and quicker. I had the highest SPARQ for 2019 quarterbacks. I posted a 4.06 shuttle. I did not like my 40 at the Nike camp. I am starting to see the quickness out there. All the work is coming to fruition. I worked a lot on my footwork this offseason.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“A 4.6 at school.”

The team has a bye this week before coming back on Oct. 6 to face Elgin, what challenges does their defense bring to the field for you guys?

“They run a three-down defense. Not too much changes for me and the receivers. The O-line is used to seeing a four-down front. That switches up our protection some. We are not sure what they will run against us. They have a new head coach. We don’t know which problems they will present for us. They always have some good athletes on their team, we know to expect that from them. Our goal is to get better this week and get better next week to face them.”

Are there any other games left on the schedule you are really hyped to play above the others? I have my guess but I will wait to tell you.

“There are no games above the others I am more excited to play. I take every game as it comes. But, a win over Cedar Park will give state notoriety for Hutto. We feel we are the only other team in district that can contend with them. We always look forward to playing them. They are a great opponent. We have great respect for them and I believe they have great respect for us as well. You always want to win district and state. That is one game you do not want to take lightly if you want to accomplish your goals.”

Cedar Park was my guess because of the outcome of the game last year. With all the big numbers you are putting up, which college teams are showing recruiting interest?

“I have around 30 or 40 schools showing interest. The in-state schools showing the most interest are SMU and Houston. The out of state schools are Oklahoma, I get emails from all the Ivy League schools, Northwestern, Washington, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Florida, North Carolina and Cal. A lot of schools have shown interest. I feel like other schools will come into play. My mindset right now, I am more focused on the season. It will all turn out in time. I am focused on the season week to week.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“North of 4.7.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I just took the SAT. My goal is to get 1500 or higher. My goal is to be accepted into any school I want to attend. I am in the Top 5 in my class, I want to be in the Top 2.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Calculus.”

What is one characteristic of your game that you feel gets overlooked the most?

“I think the main thing is the stigma against non-giant quarterbacks. Even if I was 6-1, they would look at me the same. Height does help seeing over, but being 6-3 does not change anything if your line is all 6-4 or taller. Preparation helps knowing what you are looking for out on the field that can overcome any height issues.”

What is your motivation out on the field?

“My motivation, is excellence. I want to be excellent at everything I do. While I am on Earth, I might as well strive for excellence. If God gave me life, I might as well make the most of it. I really do love football. That is my passion. I love doing it. I want to be great at it.”

Chase, it has been fun. Thanks for your time today and good luck on the field this season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Tim Walter

Twitter: @timwalter44

Photos: No. 11 Chase Griffin in action