GHSF Daily is expanding its Four Questions feature this season beyond head coaches to other voices in high school football. Today's interviewee is Rome RB Jamious Griffin, who has rushed for 2,424 yards and 36 touchdowns in his senior season for two-time defending Class AAAAA champion Rome. Griffin is committed to N.C. State.
Jamious Griffin, Rome running back
1. How does this Rome team compare to last year's as far as style and ability? "The team last year was unreal. We had so much talent on both sides of the ball. It may be the best team in Georgia high school history. Everyone was big in our defense last year. And this year, most of the attention is on our offense. I feel like last year we would've beaten any opponent in the nation, and that is no exaggeration. This year's team doesn't have as much so-called star-studded talent, but we are still loaded. Our defense is peaking at the right moment. We have a very good chance at a three-peat, but right now we're taking it one game at a time, trying to stay 1-0 week after week."
2. You have been an outstanding back for two or three years, but you've made a big jump this season. How much is it opportunity, and how much is it personal improvement? "I've always put in work in the offseason, even after practice. This year I knew I would have an opportunity to be the premier back, so I wanted to take full advantage of this opportunity and not take it for granted. I remained focused and worked hard, and the results have been amazing. I've been blessed."
3. Rome has won 39 consecutive games, many in routs where the starters are out by halftime. How do you avoid being overconfident? "We don't underestimate any opponent. We were once the underdog, so we know the winning streak can be taken away during any game. My freshman year, we were predicted to lose to the No. 2 team in the state and came away with the win. The best of the best can be beaten on any given day. I think overall we're confident in our talent, but we remain humble because we know first-hand it can be taken away at any moment." [Rome actually beat five top-six teams during the 2016 season on the road to the school's first state championship. Those included No. 2 Stockbridge in the semifinals and No. 1 Buford in the final.]
4. You've been committed to N.C. State for some time. But now you've had a huge senior season. Has that attracted more attention from other schools/coaches? And is there any chance you would change your mind about N.C. State? "I've received some attention from more Power 5 programs this year, and I must admit it feels good to be recognized and recruited on a big platform. N.C. State has been with me from the beginning, before this season. They saw my potential when a lot of other teams didn't. So of course my bond with them is strong."
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