Griffin Continues Progress as 2019 Rolls Along
N.C. State held East Carolina to just six points on 269 yards of total offense for the Pirates. One of the key components to the Wolfpack’s defense that stymied ECU is redshirt senior nickel Stephen Griffin.
“I think we did really good,” Griffin said. “We made some mistakes, but we’ve just got to clean it up. For the most part, I thought we did a solid job.”
Prior to the season, Griffin looked to improve from his 2018 season where he’d recorded 41 total tackles, five passes defended, and one forced fumble. Even with the newly integrated 3-3-5 scheme, Griffin went into the season opener confident not only in himself but for the team as a whole.
“Everybody’s developing their game well,” Griffin said. “Everybody’s assignments are sound. We’re trying to fly around and be a physical defense. You’re going to see us playing fast, playing physical, and getting to the ball. Mainly, I’ve been working on formation recognition and seeing things before they happen.”
One of his fellow nickels that he’s been able to help mentor is sophomore Tyler Baker-Williams. Sitting at No. 2 on the depth chart behind Griffin, Baker-Williams is growing into his own and looks to be a promising defensive stopper in his own right.
“Tyler Baker-Williams has done a great job,” Griffin said. “We’re in there watching film together, working hard everyday, pushing each other throughout practice, and making sure our hands are in the right places.”
Griffin and the Pack now move on to its next challenge as Western Carolina comes to Carter-Finley Stadium. The Catamounts will look to avenge its 22-point loss to Mercer, and adjusting to the new State defense will be even more critical if the Wolfpack wants to win.
“Being able to switch it up and be a bit more versatile has made a positive impact on us,” Griffin said. “It kind of switches up my responsibilities in different coverages, but for the most part I’m asked to do the same thing – just in a different extent. [Western Carolina] has an athletic quarterback, so I’ve just got to stay in coverage."