The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Taking the next step: Cedric Griffin
12.26.2004 | Football
Over the public address, you hear, "Cedric Griffin is back for Holmes High to return the punt." The kick is high, but Griffin will have a chance to return it. He starts right, but there are no running lanes. He reverses field like a deer running through a meadow, and the defense can't keep up. Griffin breaks into the clear and no one is going to catch him.
This was life for Cedric Griffin while playing high school football and starring on the track team at Holmes High School in San Antonio. Whether returning kicks or humbling wide receivers as a cornerback, his athletic ability was unparalleled on the football field. But, Griffin realized as a young player he had relied heavily on his gifts as an athlete, and in order to take the next step, he would need to become a football player.
"Cedric has always had the physical skills to play at this level," explained co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach Duane Akina. "Where he made a difference this season was when he started turning it up mentally."
There is more to being a great cornerback than being able to run and jump. You have to be able to understand receivers, formations, down and distance; the little things. At the collegiate level, a player's athletic ability is often mirrored by that of his offensive opponent. To succeed, the defender needs to gain every advantage possible. This involves knowing the opposition's tendencies, their strengths and weaknesses, and it can only be done through work off the field.
"I think Cedric saw the light this year and he realized that if he wants to get where he thinks he can, as a player, then he needs to be doing those little things," added Akina. "He's doing that and getting better every day."
"At an early age, I had an advantage over the other kids because I could run faster and jump higher than most of them," said Griffin. "Now, the athletic ability has evened out and I need to know concepts."
Griffin has played in every game since he arrived in Austin and has started the last 24 for the Longhorns. His talent has always been evident, but he knew there were certain things he needed to do in order to turn into the lock down corner his coaches and teammates expected him to be. It is those coaches and teammates that Griffin credits for his improvement in 2004.
"I need to thank my teammates and the coaching staff for pushing me because I know they want the best for me, and I don't want to let them down," explained Griffin. "It hasn't been hard to grow as a football player, because I have teammates who are always trying to get better. I spend time working and studying with them, which has helped me prepare to play on Saturdays. I'm just trying to get better and learn every day."
His teammates have seen, firsthand, Griffin's changing approach to football.
"This year, Cedric has been more focused as far as getting into the playbook and watching film," stated junior secondary mate Michael Huff. "We let him know early in the season that if this defense was going to get where we wanted it to, he was going to be a major reason for it. I think he has grown up as a player and you can see it on the field."
Griffin capped an excellent regular season with seven tackles against Texas A&M. The seven stops placed him in a tie for fourth in tackles with Huff at 65. But, when asked about his season, Griffin thought there was more he could do.
"I would have liked to come up with some more interceptions," said Griffin, even though he did tie for the team lead with two, including a highlight reel, crucial pick in Texas' 22-20 victory at Arkansas in the second week of the season.
It was tough for Griffin to make plays in the passing game when opposing quarterbacks seemed to stay away from his side of the field. Previously, Griffin may have become bored, which would have allowed for a mental lapse, but this season, he was seeking out the action.
"When they wouldn't throw the ball towards me, I'd just start running around trying to make some hits," Griffin explained. "I'm a physical corner and I love hitting, so if the ball isn't coming my way, I need to go find the ball."
That attitude sounds like one of a football player, which the former track sprinter has grown into. The Longhorns will need that kind of play as they try to slow down Michigan's potent offense in Saturday's Rose Bowl.
