Antoine Griffin – Wide Receiver – Senior – West Florida

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Antoine Griffin:  5’9 ¾, 159 pounds and 4.55. 

Alex Khvatov:  Where will you be training for the NFL Draft? 

Antoine Griffin:  ASPI in Tampa, FL. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in
you?

Antoine Griffin:  Some schools showed interest.  My size was a disadvantage.  I didn’t get any scholarships.   

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Valley City State in North Dakota?

Antoine Griffin:  I knew a head coach that was taking the job at Valley City State.  He told me to come up for a semester and show what I can do.  Then he felt that I transfer to another school after a good year. 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you decide to transfer to West Florida? 

Antoine Griffin:  It was convenient because it was in the state of Florida.  They gave me the scholarship.  I had to pay my own way at Valley City State. 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.

Antoine Griffin:  I transferred.  We didn’t play any games that first year.  We just practiced since it was a new program.  It was pretty exciting for the school.  I didn’t know what to expect.  It was a brand new team.  It came out pretty good for a first year program.  We went 5-6 that year.  Individually, I had 43 catches for 400 yards and seven TD’s.  Junior year, teams knew who we were.  We were a brand new team and we weren’t supposed to win.  We were a sixth or seventh seed in the playoffs.  We went to the National Championship game.  It was Cinderella story.  We gained momentum in the playoffs.  I had 55 catches for 898 yards and four TD’s as a junior.  I had an INT on a fake punt.  I am the all-time leading receiver in school’s history.  My senior year, our QB who led us to the national championship game got injured the first game of the season.  It was a tough job for the new QB.  He had to step up to the plate.  He did a good job.  The backup QB also got hurt.  He had Tommy John surgery.  We rotated at WR because the coaches felt that we worn down during our junior run.  We rotated at least nine WR’s, and I averaged about 25 plays a game. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Antoine Griffin:  Junior season.  I had an INT on a fake punt.  I also had over 100 yards on eight catches in one game.  It was exciting to be a part of the team all the way to the Championship game that year.     

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Antoine Griffin:  I root for the Jets.  I was a big LaDainian Tomlinson fan.  I followed him from the Chargers to the Jets.  I stuck with them. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Antoine Griffin:  Antonio Brown. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a WR?

Antoine Griffin:  The mental aspect of the game.  Everyone is talented, but you have to be smart. 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on next season?

Antoine Griffin:  WR Quentin Randolph and WR Kevin Grant.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team? 

Antoine Griffin:  CB Donatello Brown from Valdosta State. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Antoine Griffin:  Be able to catch a football.  It is a great feeling when you score a TD. 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall experience at the 2018 National Bowl.

Antoine Griffin:  It went well.  I was playing with a bunch of guys from across the nation who are trying to chase their dreams.  It was three days of hard work.  We all got better.  We practiced for three hours both days.  We played in rainy conditions. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Antoine Griffin:  I used to make music.  I don’t do much except for football. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football
career is over?

Antoine Griffin:  I am getting a business degree, so I want to do something in that aspect. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have learned in life so far?

Antoine Griffin:  Stay focused and work hard.  Put in the work. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you? 

Antoine Griffin:  Hard –working, courageous, determined, versatile and credible. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win the National Championship in CFB this year?

Antoine Griffin:  I am a big Bama fan, even before I was going to college.  I am picking them.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?

Antoine Griffin:  I am hoping for the Steelers, so Antonio Brown can get his.