Griffin name back on football roster for OSU Buckeyes

 

 

By Felix Hoover

For Your News Columbus

Aug. 22, 2010

 

 

The school that featured Archie Griffin 35 years ago in his second Heisman Trophy season, has another A. Griffin is practicing as a Buckeye footballer.

 

After helping the St. Francis DeSales Stallions advance to the state football finals last year, son Adam became a late addition to Coach Jim Tressel’s team at Ohio State University.

 

For most of the recruiting season, local observers wondered what Adam’s football future might be. Most of his offers had come from service academies, but not the place where his dad had been a three-time All American.

 

Adam considered going to OSU as a walk-on, but eventually received the scholarship offer he wanted. He would be a Buckeye.

 

“He always wanted to run through the tunnel,” said his mother, Bonita, referring the team entrance to Ohio Stadium.

 

She, Archie and Adam made sure that multiple pictures were taken of them together at this year’s Team Photo Day. Neither of the Griffin men tried to hide their pride that day.

 

“It means a lot; it’s pretty much a blessing to play for the Buckeyes,” Adam said. “Anytime you can suit up in the same uniform your dad suited up in it’s a real honor.”

 

His father’s take was, “To have your son playing football is something to be proud of. After my long, long experience as an administrator here, it’s something to be proud of.”

 

Through the years Archie has dispensed fatherly advise to scores of players and others close to the athletic program and to the OSU Alumni Association, where he serves as president and chief executive officer.

 

His advice to Adam is to stay focused and “learn as much as you can learn, and when you get out onto the field, try to perform it.”

 

At 5-9, 185 pounds, Adam’s physical measurements run close to his dad‘s, but the younger Griffin doesn‘t worry about comparisons because “I play a different position,” he said.

 

Adam starred at running back, defensive back and on kick returns in high school, but is listed as a defensive back on the Buckeye roster. He wears No. 9.