10/23/03
Q&A with Michael Griffin
How does it feel to be contributing to
the team as a true freshman? "
It feels great being a true freshman. At first, I didn't get that
much playing time, but I had a lot of things to learn. Now I'm getting
better and getting to play more."
How has Coach Akina helped you get better?
"Everyday he teaches me more about technique, and I also learn
from the older players. He teaches me the correct splits, like how
far they line up from the tackle, and what type of technique to use
in certain situations, whether it is high arm or catch technique.
He's teaching me all of the plays and the aspects of the different
positions too. I still have a lot to learn."
How did your first road trip to Ames,
Iowa with the team go?
"It was my first time flying so that was the first thing I had
to deal with. I'm not scared of heights so it was okay, but I have
a weak stomach, so if I saw anybody get sick then I would get sick
too. It was a great trip and the first time I've been to Iowa. I've
only been to one other state before the trip, so it was cool to venture
out a little."
What was the highlight of your first
road trip?
"I would say the highlight was the blitz play where I sacked
the quarterback. I got in trouble a little bit because I was supposed
to go for the ball and cause a fumble, but I just went for the sack.
My mind went blank and I got kind of happy."
Which game has been your favorite one
to play in?
"As far as atmosphere goes, the most exciting game was at the
Cotton Bowl when we played against Oklahoma. The week before the game,
Antonio Perkins broke the record for most punt returns for touchdowns,
so it was fun for Aaron Ross and me to contain him on the punt team.
I think he had negative yards for the game. It was a great experience
to play in that kind of atmosphere."
What goals do you have for the rest of
the season?
"This week we need to win the Baylor game, and from there, win
on out so we can make it to a bowl game. Coach Brown has not lost
more than two games in the past two seasons, so we need to keep that
tradition going and not let anyone slip past us."
Is playing football at Texas what you
expected?
"I think it's easier just because for the fact that in high school,
I played two different positions, one on offense and one on defense.
The whole time in practice I had to play both positions, but here
in college, you focus on one position. I get to learn all the technique
at one position and focus all of my energy doing that."
Was the transition from high school to
college easier for you being from Austin?
"A lot of people talked about missing home during two-a-days
and stuff like that, but when I had a little break I was able to go
home for a little bit. It wasn't that hard, but I'm an independent
person in the first place, so I wasn't ever at home very much in high
school either. It was an easy transition."
Outside of football and school, what
do you do with your time?
"Most of the time I'm at home with my mom and visiting my parents
or hanging around with old friends back at home. I've lived in Austin
most of my life, so it's nothing really new or exciting for me."
What kind of relationship do you have
with your twin, Marcus, who also plays on the team?
"We're very close. Last year in high school, he played quarterback
and I played running back, but then we both switched over to defense
this year. We have a strong connection and we talk about everything.
I've never played without him, so every team I've been on he's been
there too. It's cool that we're still playing together."
Is there always a competition between
you guys?
"Sometimes coaches try to see who is better or stronger, but
there are different things he's better at than me and vice versa.
He's stronger than me, but I'm faster than him. We just try to work
hard so we can get better."
What are some differences between you
and your twin?
"I'm the more outgoing one, I talk more and I'm taller.
He's very quiet and he has to get to know you in order to talk to
you. He's also a little stockier than me. He's more of a pretty boy,
and I just throw clothes on because I don't really care." |
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