April 10, 2009
Written/compiled by David Yancey
One of Tech’s biggest surprises from the 2008 season was linebacker Sedric Griffin. He became one of the Yellow Jacket’s top linebackers and will enter his senior season this fall. We got a chance to catch up with Sedric and ask him about how his knee is feeling, what his goals for this season are, and about last year’s win against Clemson.
Q: I know you suffered a knee injury last season in the Miami game, how is it feeling now?
A: The knee is great, it feels 100 percent. I’m out here flying around during practice.
Q: The coaches are tweaking the defense a little this year. What are some of the changes?
A: Well, it’s more of a nickel base. Now we use four lineman, two linebackers, and five defensive backs. That is the only big tweak. We see a lot of spread teams during the season, so that’s the biggest reason for it.
Q: Who do you think will step up and serve as team leaders now that Michael Johnson and Darryl Richard will be moving on?
A: Well, me of course. But we plan on having 11 leaders on each side of the ball, so not just one particular person. We want 11 people at all times stepping up.
Q: One of Tech’s strengths is its defense. How do the group of linebackers work together to try and force three-and-outs?
A: We like to do things together. During the season, we watch Thursday night games together. This year we are going to miss out on two, because we play in two. But we get together and go to each other’s houses or dorms and watch Thursday night football. We will order pizza, and just have camaraderie with each other.
Q: Last season, you led the linebackers with eight tackles for loss. What goes through your mind when you are trying to stop the ball carrier for a loss?
A: Try and get him, before he gets me. Basically I just love to hit, and love to tackle. That’s my thing.
Q: What are some of your personal goals for your senior season?
A: I would like to be All-ACC and All-American. Also, I would love to achieve an ACC Championship and BCS Championship. The sky is the limit.
Q: Last season was a great one for you as you emerged as one of the most consistent linebackers for Tech. What are you trying to work on this spring to improve your game even more?
A: I cannot get complacent. I did some things well, but I am just going to try and improve on those things. I need to get better getting off blocks. I also just want to get better overall, and take my game to the next level.
Q: You grew up in South Carolina. Did you enjoy the Clemson win last season a little more than most?
A: Of course, I enjoyed it! A lot of my classmates went to Clemson so they were at the game. So I got a chance to smile at them.
Q: What is your favorite Tech tradition?
A: I would have to say I love the little dances at the game. The Buzzweiser song is probably my favorite.
Q: What is one thing that most Tech fans don’t know about Sedric Griffin?
A: They might not know I am married. That’s probably the biggest thing.
