Senior Spotlight: Stephen Griffin

RALEIGH, N.C. - Stephen Griffin's career will come full circle this season as his final year of eligibility will conclude in his home state. A Charlotte, N.C., native, Griffin transferred to Raleigh from the University of Tennessee in 2017 with two years of eligibility remaining.

"I'm excited to end this part of my journey in North Carolina," said Griffin. "Going to Tennessee, it was a great experience, but I felt like I needed a different opportunity. Being able to play close to home and having family and friends come to games makes the experience that much more special.

"Being able to play in front of this crowd, it just feels like home. This is my state. I wouldn't want it any other way."

In 2018, his first season in action with the Wolfpack, Griffin missed fall camp due to injuries. After working his way into the starting nickel position later season, he ranked third on the 2018 squad in pass breakups.

"I'm just excited to play and be able to make plays this year," said Griffin. "I'm healthy and I'm eager. Missing all of camp last year, I feel like that hindered my season a little bit. I remember last year watching practice and wanting to be out there tired with everybody else, begging for water.

"This year, I got to be a part of that in camp, and I am so thankful for that."

As a transfer, the transition into the Wolfpack family was made easier by the welcoming atmosphere surrounding the program, which translated into a tight bond with the defensive backs.

"The defensive backs, we always feel like it's us against the world because people don't necessarily see the intricate details," said Griffin. "The only time people see us is when we get beat. At the end of the day, that is usually what gets pointed out.

"Having that collective mentality, we have to have each other's backs at all times so that we can just do what we do and know that when something unfortunate happens, we know we'll have each other."

The defensive squad enjoys being there for each other on and off the field. In Griffin's downtime, he likes to just hang out.

"I like to hang around with my friends, especially Nick McCloud and Larrell Murchison," said Griffin. "I like the simple things. It keeps morale high, and I thrive off of being around other positive people.

"But I also love the outdoors, especially fishing, and all the animals that you come across-- I have a wildlife Instagram page called '26wild21.' I started it a couple weeks after the spring game. Anytime I run across something, I like to document it. It's just a fun way to disconnect from school and football."

While the defensive backs are like their own family, Griffin will be facing his own family against Western Carolina. His cousin, John Brannon III, is a defensive back for the Catamounts and played high school football with Griffin during their junior and senior years at South Mecklenburg High School.

"It will definitely be a special moment for me and for him, and definitely our family, coming to the game and seeing both of us out there. That's a pretty big deal."

Reflecting on his time with the team, Griffin admits that he has grown as a person and a player over his time at NC State, and gives credit to the staff and player personnel.

"I want to thank coach Aaron Henry because he's been there throughout the whole process," said Griffin. "I appreciate the whole staff trusting and believing and me, and for living up to everything they said when I wanted to come here. They were very transparent and I can't thank them enough for that."

North Carolina State University Athletics

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