Crootin’ Notebook: Interview with 2019 RB prospect Jamious Griffin

When the South Carolina Gamecocks offered class of 2019 prospect Jamious Griffin on Friday, they joined NC State as just the second power five school to extend an official offer to the 5-foot-10, 195 pound running back out of Rome, GA.

A shockingly mature sophomore, Griffin is confident that with time, more suitors will come.

“God’s timing is the best timing. I just work hard and stay patient,” Griffin said. “My pops just kept me working and focused. He told me I was the best back in my class so don’t worry about those other kids getting offers.”

Running backs coach Bobby Bentley, who made the trip to Rome High to extend the offer in person, certainly seems to have recognized Griffin’s talent.

“Coach Bentley and my head coach, coach [John] Reid pulled me out of my Spanish class. I saw the USC shirt coach Bentley had on so I knew I had to get my game face on. I started smiling and remember thinking in my head, ‘this is big time.’”

The fact that the Gamecocks are one of the first schools to show strong interest is not lost on him, either.

“I always told my family that I was going to commit to the first team that offered and showed the most interest. My pops just told me to slow down,” Griffin laughed. “They [South Carolina] weren’t the first, but they came soon after. I am definitely feeling them a lot.”

On the football field, Griffin prides himself on being able to contribute where and when his team needs him the most.

“[I bring] a lot of excitement and energy. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help my team achieve its goals,” Griffin said. “I feel I have great vision and hands so I can help the team in more than one way. [College coaches] now want a back that can not only run, but can catch and block.”

Griffin’s varied skill set was on full display his sophomore season, in which he tallied over 1600 all-purpose yards and 31 touchdowns to lead Rome High to its first ever state championship.

“I showed that I can compete at a high level and help carry my team when they needed me the most, even against great competition.”

Off the field, Griffin enjoys a wealth of support from his three brothers, who also play on the Rome football team and have gone through the recruitment process.

“[Growing up in this family] is the best thing that could have happened to me,” Griffin said. “My older brother [Jaylen] is headed to Blacksburg to play for VT after graduation. Our middle brother Ja’Quon just committed to LSU about a month ago. I am who I am because of them. I’m always competing and pushing to be better and stronger than them.”

“God has been good to me and my family. Wouldn’t change a thing.”

As far as summer visits, Griffin does not have many plans as of yet.

“I do know that Clemson wants me to come in June. And my brother has his orientation June 11th at Virginia Tech so I could be going there.”

Griffin did not open up too much about what he is looking for in a college specifically, but he does know what fuels him to be a great player.

“I just love the game and the opportunities that it brings. I just want to play.”