2021 National Scouting Combine Featured Athlete Terrence Griffin, OL/DL from Bethune-Cookman

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Terence Griffin | Bethune-Cookman University | OL/DL 

Twitter: @Terence_gtn | Instagram,: @Terence_gtn


Q: Tell us about your college (or pro) career and what the recruiting/scouting process was like?

A: Due to unfortunate circumstances I was not qualified for a division 1 school out of High School. I attended a division 3 institution named Concordia College Alabama located in Selma, AL. During my time at Concordia College, I experienced a football operation I was not accustomed to. Water was not provided to the players and I knew my time there expired when one coach was rushed to the hospital due to a heat stroke. I then moved back home to Miami, FL. My mom and sister then advocated for me to attend Bethune-Cookman University and I did. In 2011, I walked on weighing approximately 279lbs. My tryout process included conditioning drills and the 40-yard dash. I clocked a 4.7 and 4.8 in the 40-yard dash. The coaches were impressed with the skills I presented and cut my workout short by telling me I made the team. From that point on, I knew I made the right decision.

Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?

A: My biggest accomplishment in football so far would have to be the day I walked on at Bethune-Cookman University and having the opportunity to be coached by men who have been at the elite levels in the sport. Being able to impress these coaches showed me that I can belong and can perform at an elite level in this sport.

 

Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff while playing?

A: My coaches at BCU taught me that as long as you do your part on and off the field then God will do his in reward and he will never fail us. Even when things are not in your favor “push through adversity”.

 

Q: How was your career impacted due to the 2020 pandemic and what have you learned from the adversity?

A: The pandemic made people like myself tap into what they love the most and forced people to hold on to what is dearest to them. Whether it’s going after the business you’ve always wanted or fixing a broken relationship with someone you love dearly. For me, it forced me to do what I love to do. The pandemic has taught me that you can still have success and defy all odds.

 

Q: What was your major and what are your plans if football doesn’t work out?

A: My major was Criminal Justice. If my plans for football don’t work then I want to be an entrepreneur. I would love to help young men after me pursue what’s in their hearts. My plan is to create an environment that stimulates growth and peace. The world is missing a lot of love at times and I want to fill in the gaps that I see with these instruments.

 

Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?

A: My past teammates would say they knew I could perform at a higher level due to my work ethics on the field. They would also say that I’m a big hearted guy off the field and a distributive force on the field. I would say my past teammates were a pleasure to learn and experience alongside with.

 

Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?

A: One of my most memorable plays was when I played at BCU. I read a screen and intercepted the ball and ran for 20-yards before being tackled. Also, I got a 20-yard sack while playing for a developmental team in 2019 that was attached to the Tampa Bay Storm, I tackled the quarterback due to a mishap. This play stuck with me because I was in the backfield immediately and I relied on my instinct and coaching which allowed me to make such a tackle. 

 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?

A: My biggest challenge is not being afforded the opportunities to perform and showcase at a higher level and keeping myself mentally and physically prepared for a moment like this combine. I played with some guys currently in the NFL and over the years it has been challenging to know that hard work pays off and eventually the day will come when I’m no longer overlooked. Overcoming obstacles while being committed to my passion and this sport isn’t easy but my faith with God is stronger than anything I face. I’m able to manage by the grace of God and the strong people I have in my corner. And for that reason, I remain as humble as possible while putting in the work and never stop dreaming.

 

Q: If you could compare yourself to a pro athlete, who would that be and why?

A: I’m most compatible with Muhammad Ali. Muhammad Ali was a people’s person who didn’t bow down to anything that he didn’t feel was right. This is the way I approach life! Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything!

 

Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?

A: I’m a natural born leader but I also know how and when to follow. I believe that I would bring a peaceful atmosphere to a team or enhance the positive energy that is already there. Guys tend to rally around me for some reason and at this point in my life I don’t question God, I just embrace the task. Pro scouts should consider me because their job is to find the best and I’m right here.

 

Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or ”pay it forward” in your community?

A: I’m not an official mentor but I mentor guys all the time on different things. Oftentimes it’s mistaken for preaching but I believe that every conversation is one that is destined to be had because you don’t know how your words impact others and vice versa. My current job embodies this question. I am a Patient Outreach Coordinator at Community Resources of Florida. Our mission is to help prevent HIV/AIDS and STD and help people cope with life or themselves through various types of treatments. Part of my job involved having uncomfortable talks with my family and friends about their sex life because it is important that they are safe also. I am helping the community by fighting the silent war against HIV/AIDS. 

 

Q: How are you preparing for the 2021 National Scouting Combine and what are your goals?

A: Outside of my 9-5 job I’ve been working out vigorously twice daily. I hired a personal trainer to guide and help mold me into the athlete that I aspire to be. After my sessions with him, I hit the sand at the beach for maximum results with my former high school Coach, Coach Corey Butts. Coach Butts has pushed me to further limits than I’ve ever been pushed to in the latest years of my career. He’s a beacon with young athletes in the Miami community.

 

Q: What would be your ultimate achievement?

A: The ultimate achievement for me would be to play the game that I love at a higher level. It would be amazing to know that dreams really do evolve daily as long as you put in the work. But the highest and most ultimate achievement for me would be to inspire someone with my journey and propel them to do what drives them.

 

Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?

A: I enjoy spending time with my family. I love seeing other people happy so I try to surround myself with positivity. I also love swimming and learning. 

 

Q: If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?

A: To spread love and not hate because we all have to coexist on this planet. Love is the most abundant resource on the planet however, we as a society don’t harvest enough of it.

 

Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?

A: The most influential people in my life would have to be my parents! My mom and dad worked very hard as I was coming up and they showed me what being consistent meant. My parents lead by example rather than with speeches. My dad and my mom upheld the highest amount of love and respect for one another even when things weren’t going right in their marriage. My mom was a teacher who pushed me to educate myself outside of the normal school hours which gave me a mental advantage. 

 

Q: What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?

A: People would find interesting what I plan on doing with the income that I desire and how much I plan to help people in different parts of the world.

 

Q: What is your dream job?

A: My dream job is a job that I wake up early to go do, not for the love of money, but because I get to touch many lives doing it. A job that’s fun to me where it doesn’t feel like work. Playing in the NFL and using that platform to inspire and change the world.

2024 National Scouting Combine

February 18-22 held at Grand Park Events Center in Westifled, IN. Accepting draft eligible nominations now!
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