Chat with Michael Griffin

ESPN.com's Scouts Inc. has evaluated every player in the draft and this is what they say about Griffin: ''Griffin doesn't have elite size and he needs to improve his consistency as a tackler. However, he has the frame to get bigger, he is extremely "coachable" and he always seems to be in on big plays. Griffin is a relentless run supporter, he displays very good range in deep coverage and he is one of the best special team's players in the 2007 draft class. If coached properly, Griffin has the physical tools to emerge as an upper-echelon starting free safety in the NFL. That's why, despite a sub-par senior season, we believe Griffin warrants consideration early in the second round.''
Send in your questions now, then join Griffin on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. ET!
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Wednesday's NFL prospect schedule:
12:30 p.m. ET - Nebraska's Adam Carriker
1 p.m. - Michigan's Alan Branch
1:30 p.m. - Texas' Brian Robison
2:30 p.m. - FSU's Lorenzo Booker
3 p.m. - USC's Ryan Kalil
4 p.m. - Texas' Justin Blalock
Buzzmaster (3:32 PM)
Michael Griffin is here!
Jose (Austin, TX)
What are you going to miss more about playing at U.T.?
Michael Griffin (3:33 PM)
Just playing with my brother and Coach Brown and all the great coaches and players. Everything about playing there was a great experience. It was great playing in front of friends and family.
Ronald (ATX)
I played basketball with you and your bro at Bowie. How is your brother with you getting much of the hype and is he still pursueing the NFL?
Michael Griffin (3:34 PM)
Yes, he's still pursuing it. He is still picking a major at Texas. We talk all the time and he is always wishing me luck. He is going trhough spring ball right now. Things are going great for him.
Brian: (Houston, TX)
In college you were very adept at helping in run support. Could you see yourself packing on a few more pounds and becoming a dominate OLB in the NFL?
Michael Griffin (3:35 PM)
No! That's not for me. I don't think sizse has much to do with it though. I just want to get my foot in the door and I will do whatever the coaching staff of my new team wants me to do.
Jeff (Austin, TX, baby)
Micheal, where'd you get those fancy yellow shoes?
Michael Griffin (3:36 PM)
I got them from Joel Filani from Texas Tech. We are training together.
Chris Yarmouth MA
What defensive scheme do you think fits you the most?
Michael Griffin (3:37 PM)
The best scheme for me is Cover 2 or Tampa 2 or Man Free. I like being back and reading the QB and making plays on the ball.
King (San Clemente, CA)
Hey Michael what team is showing the most interest in you? Titans? A reunion with Vince would be nice.
Michael Griffin (3:38 PM)
I don't really know which teams are showing favor. They gave everyone a chance to show what they could do at the combine. Every coach tells every player they like them so its hard to say. Free agency is coming up so you never know what teams will get there and what they will need in the draft. I'm just trying to stay positive and get ready for the NFL.
Barry McNair: (Austin, Texas)
Have you decided what kind of Golf Clubs you are going to purchase for your father? We like to hit them and go find them and hit them again. From one of your dad's golf buddies.
Michael Griffin (3:39 PM)
I don't know what kind he uses. Whenever I go home he always has a new set it seems. I guess whatever he asks for. I'll probably just give him the money so he can go get them himself!
Kyle LaRue Placerville, CA
you ran a 4.45 at the combine how do you think you'll adjust to the speed of the NFL
Michael Griffin (3:40 PM)
I'm not sure I really showed what I can do at the combine. I tripped on my first try. My right foot hit my left calf on one. I didn't showcase how fast I really am but in regards to the next level, Michael Huff tells me there isn't that much of a difference. It's really more about learning the plays.
Kyle LaRue Placerville, CA
What quarterback would you most like to pick off in the NFL?
Michael Griffin (3:41 PM)
Not one in particular. Peyton Manning would be fun to intercept. Not many players have picked him off before.
Chad (Austin, TX)
Michael, Has anything surprised you at the combine? Speed drills, strength, maybe the way people have treated you? Thanks, Chad
Michael Griffin (3:41 PM)
It was really just like training in Arizona. I knew the drills well and knew what to expect. A few things got changed up, but I was ready. Usually you can put two hands down on the shuttle but this year it was only one so little things like that. But I was very well prepared.
Charlie (Maryland)
Mr. Griffin, are you more comfortable playing FS or SS? Why?
Michael Griffin (3:42 PM)
No preference. It doesn't matter to me. I like being everywhere on the field. I played both.
Ryan (Tallahassee)
What safety in the nfl do you most compare yourself to and why?
Michael Griffin (3:43 PM)
I don't like to compare myself. I want to be recognized for myself. I want to be my own player. I want people to remember Michael Griffin.
Josh (Lincoln, NE)
Michael, what feels better a BIG! hit or an interception, which do you prefer? GO BIG RED!
Michael Griffin (3:43 PM)
Picking off a pass. You can put points on the board that way. A big hit is nice but a turnover gets your offense back on the field.
Wes (Bloomington, IN)
Who do ya got in the Big Dance? Can Texas get over that hump this season?
Michael Griffin (3:44 PM)
Texas of course. But there are lots of good teams. I'll be cheering hard for Texas.
Lucas (Oak Ridge, TN)
What workout do you hate most at the combine?
Michael Griffin (3:45 PM)
They were all fine. I liked the L Drill because I posted a top time and showed my agility. There were none that I disliked.
Chris (Windsor, ON, Canada)
How do you feel about possibly being drafted by a non-contending team?
Michael Griffin (3:47 PM)
There really is no advantage or disadvantage to thinking about that. Who would have thought the Saints would go as far as they did? No telling what the Raiders could do next year with a good QB or RB or WR. You just don't know who is going to pan out and who isn't. Whatever team picks me, I'll be really happy to go there.
Mike (Homer Glen, IL)
What one thing are you most looking forward to doing while in the NFL?
Michael Griffin (3:47 PM)
I guess just visiting all the new cities. I never traveled much. I grew up in Texas and moved to Virginia for a bit but that's about it. I'll be excited to see all the NFL cities.
Dave (San Diego, CA)
Hi Michael, ESPN projects you to be drafted early in the 2nd round - I have you being picked at No. 30 by the Bolts. Any thoughts or just waiting to see how it all pans out?
Michael Griffin (3:48 PM)
I don't pay much attention to the mock drafts. There is still a long way to go. You never know what might happen. Who thought Huff and Whitner would go so early back to back? It's just about what teams need at that moment.
Jim (San Antonio, TX)
Which team do you play with in Madden ?
Michael Griffin (3:49 PM)
I don't play Madden much. When I do play I play with the Patriots.
Seth (Austin)
Durant or Oden?
Michael Griffin (3:50 PM)
I watch college hoops a bit. Being from Texas I have to choose Durant. I've seen him do some amazing things. He's just a great great basketball player. Not sure if he will stay next year but I wish him the best.
AJ (Austin, TX)
Who's faster, you or Marcus?
Michael Griffin (3:50 PM)
I am!
Adam: Gobles, MI
How does it feel to play in a big time bowl game?
Michael Griffin (3:51 PM)
It's the best feeling ever to play in a championship game. That game was incredible. USC fans were all over the place and it was just so intense. That's why you go to a big time program to play in big time games.
jeff (the 512)
how will you keep up with your pit bulls once your an nfl star?
Michael Griffin (3:51 PM)
I hope to. I've seen other folks in the NFL who have them and keep up with them so I don't see why I can't do it.
Ricky (las vegas)
Best reciever you faced in college?
Michael Griffin (3:52 PM)
Ted Ginn. Hands down. Unbelievable person. Cool guy as well. I talked to him at the combine and he taught me how to run right there on the spot.
Billy ((Ruston, LA))
Michael, do you have any quirky pre-game rituals before a game?
Michael Griffin (3:52 PM)
I'm real laid back. I don't hollar a bunch. I just sit and chill and wait to get out there.
Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)
Jessica Alba or Beyonce?
Michael Griffin (3:53 PM)
Beyonce.
Adam: Gobles, MI
What keeps you motivated in work outs and other offseason tasks?
Michael Griffin (3:53 PM)
Motivation is an interesting thing. You can never be at your peak, there is always room for improvement. So that's my motivation.
Rishi (Las Vegas)
Do you see yourself playin more like a Roy Williams type or Ed Reed type?
Michael Griffin (3:54 PM)
Probably more of an Ed Reed type.
Ricky (las vegas)
So it was more difficult to defend Ginn , then Jarrett? Pay attention scouts? By the way the Jets would love to have you next to kerry rhodes
Michael Griffin (3:55 PM)
With Ginn he's just do fast. Jarrett has great speed and routes and all but it's just easier defending a big receiver than a small one. Ginn is about the same height but that 4.3 speed is blazing. He might even be a 4.2. His breakaway speed is incredible.
Kendell ((Alexandria, VA))
Whats your biggest fear heading into Draft Day?
Michael Griffin (3:55 PM)
I'd have to say watching the draft. I'd hate to hear my name called and hear booing.
josh (washington twp,nj)
who would you rather jack up T.O. or Chad Johnson
Michael Griffin (3:56 PM)
That's a loaded question! Cincy and the Cowboys both talked to me this past week. I'm not answering that!
Jason (Dallas)
What's the weirdest question you were asked in an interview?
Michael Griffin (3:59 PM)
It wasn't weird really but the Jets met with me and I talked to a bunch of different folks, almost 15 of them. I introduced myself to all of them .. they wanted to know who good my memory was. I said I had a good memory and so they asked me to name all the folks I just met. I told them I woke up at 5:30 to take a drug test and psycological tests and about a 100 interviews .. I told them I could memorize faces but not names so much, at least that quickly.
Shane (Austin, TX)
Why is Westlake so much better than Bowie?
Michael Griffin (4:01 PM)
It was always odd to me that Westlake always had top players year after year, from all over the country. I would ask folks how they ended up in Westlake. It's a rich area with lots of Lexus's and stuff. I think they were just drafting players or something. We had our chances to beat them though.
Chad (Wisconsin)
Would you rather play with Brett Favre, or intercept him?
Michael Griffin (4:01 PM)
Depends. Probably play with him. He's just such a great QB. To play in Green Bay would be a great opportunity.
mike (texas)
What's with UT and dreadlocks?
Michael Griffin (4:03 PM)
UT right now it's just my brother. So I'm not sure. Ricky Williams had them. Cedric Benson. A couple others I guess. Overall it's not that many really. I think other schools probably have more. I remember playing teams that had way more.
Cooper (East Lansing)
Do you still wear your national championship ring?
Michael Griffin (4:05 PM)
No, that's at my mom's house. I put it away awhile back. I don't live in the past, only the present. Thanks for the questions! I appreciate all your support. Wish me luck!
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