Griffin quickly making up for lost time

Posted Sep 24, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Sep 24, 2011 at 11:43 AM

University of South Florida coaches may ask players to give 100 percent on every single snap, but that’s just not enough for sophomore receiver Sterling Griffin.

“I feel like I’ve got to go 200 percent every play just because I missed last season,” he said.

After missing all of 2010 because of a dislocated ankle suffered during an offseason workout the previous summer, Griffin is quickly making up for lost time. Entering tonight’s game against UTEP at Raymond James Stadium, Griffin is the Bulls’ leading receiver with 20 receptions for 224 yards and a touchdown, emerging as a primary target for junior quarterback B.J. Daniels in what has been a much-improved passing game so far this season.

“He’s definitely been able to come through for us in some tight spots and some key third downs,” Daniels said. “It’s a blessing to have him back.”

Receivers coach Phil McGeoghan isn’t surprised Griffin has found success early in the season, noting the dedication Griffin showed during the rehab process to work his way back onto the field.

“I saw the way that he attacked the time that he missed due to injury,” McGeoghan said. “As far as strength and conditioning, putting the weight on, I think he gained about 11 or 12 pounds, and he got stronger. He’s a guy who really dedicated himself to getting better physically and also mentally. He wanted to know the offense.

“I’m really excited about his development, and his passion, energy and enthusiasm to play the game. Right now he’s obviously having success individually, but his team is having success, too, and it’s made us a better team having him out there.”

Griffin has nearly surpassed the totals from his freshman season in 2009, when he had 14 receptions for 265 yards and two touchdowns, and he’s on pace to shatter USF’s single-season marks for receptions (62 by Hugh Smith in 2002) and receiving yards (706 by Carlton Mitchell in 2009).

In last week’s win over Florida A&M, Griffin matched his career best with eight catches – which was set in a season-opening win over Notre Dame – and had a career-high 97 receiving yards to go along with his first touchdown of the year. He fell just shy of becoming USF’s first receiver to hit the 100-yard mark since A.J. Love had 121 yards in a 2009 win over Louisville.

“I came into this season just ready to work and ready to make plays when my number’s called. That’s all I’ve been focused on doing,” Griffin said. “Coaches have been gaining confidence in me each weekend, calling my number, and I’ve just been able to step up and make the plays. I’m just trying to be consistent in that.

“I’m pretty happy, but I’m never content. I always feel like I can do better. I’m probably the hardest critic of myself and scouting myself, and I feel like I could have done better in the past three games. But we got the win, and that’s all that matters.”

Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch couldn’t be more pleased to see Griffin find some early success, but believes Griffin is just beginning to tap into his potential.

“When guys are playing well and they’re buying into their role, they come to work every day, they have a good attitude, they have upbeat personalities, and every day he’s having fun with it,” Fitch said. “I think his attitude was good all summer because he saw himself getting better when (players) worked out on their own, and it’s carried over into the season. … He’s taking coaching, and he’s having fun. When players see themselves get better they buy in more, and I think that’s where he’s at.”