Nickname: C
High School: Pike County
Junior College: Pearl River CC
HS Number: 85
JC Number: 85
AL Number: 97
Official Visits: Alabama
Second Choice: Auburn
Host During Alabama Visit: Carlos Stennis and Quincy Jackson
Committed: February 4, 1998
Roommate To Be: Quincy Jackson
Family Ties: Cousin of Quincy Jackson
Academic Status: Graduate in May

Stats

JUCO Sophomore Season

Tackles

82 total
7 QB sacks

Honors

All-State
JUCO All-American

Stories

Number 97, Cornelius …

Do you remember the last guy named Cornelius to wear number 97 at Alabama? Of course, that was Cornelius Bennett. Now Cornelius Griffin wants to be the next.

"My high school coach used to call me "Biscuit" because that was Bennett’s nickname," Griffin says. "I want to wear number 97 at Alabama."

Three years ago Griffin was an all-state tight end at Pike County in Brundidge. He began his college career at Pearl River CC. It was there that he switched to defense.

"At first, I didn’t like defense. But I began to realize that I like to hit people. Now I feel like a natural on defense."

At Pearl River he earned All-American honors as a sophomore by making 82 tackles and 7 QB sacks.

East Mississippi JC coach Tom Goode remembers when his team played Pearl River that season.

"He stood out," recalls Goode. "You don’t see a lot of kids with his size and speed. I remember that he could really run."

Griffin, who is 6’4, 283, and runs a 4.8, played defensive tackle and end at Pearl River. He expects to play both positions at Alabama also.

"I’m mean and quick," Griffin says. "I’d say I’m a mixture of [Michael] Myers, [Eric] Curry and [John] Copeland."

Cornelius Griffin should wear number 97 well.

Best Game

Cornelius Griffin had his best game on a day when he wasn’t expected to play.

"We were playing Co-Lin Junior College," recalls Griffin. "Before the game I had ice on both shoulders. I didn’t think I was going to play."

But shortly before kickoff a teammate challenged Griffin.

"He said that if I went out there and tried to play, they’d eat me alive. That was all it took to get me off that bench. I was ready then."

Griffin played like a man possessed. He made 17 tackles. He sacked the quarterback twice and had five tackles for losses.

"On one play they had two 300-pounders double team me. I stood both of them up, grabbed the running back by the jersey and made the tackle. It was about a three or four-yard loss."

Pearl River lost the game 10-7, but for Griffin it was still a memorable day.

Q&A

TI: You signed with Auburn last year. Then you signed with Alabama this year. Why the change of heart?

CG: It’s a real long story and I don’t want to get into all of the details. I really liked Auburn. But I started talking some to Alabama this year and decided to take a visit over there for the Tennessee game. At first, I really didn’t like it. But when I got back from the visit, I kept thinking about how much fun I had over there. That’s how I decided on Alabama.

TI: You had to sit out of football last season. Do you think the layoff will hurt you?

CG: Yeah, for maybe two or three plays. That’s about it.

TI: I take it that you’ve stayed in good shape?

CG: I’ve been working out and running a lot. I’ll be in shape. I’m in shape now.

TI: How’s your weight?

CG: My weight has fluctuated some recently. I was 287 last week. Then a few days ago I was 278. Today I’m at 283. I feel great. I don’t feel heavy or fat at all. I’ll probably play at 280.

TI: How’s your academic situation?

CG: Right now I’m at Troy State taking two Criminal Justice courses. I’m working hard and feel like I’m going to do pretty good.

TI: If you pass those two courses, will you be eligible to transfer to Alabama this summer?

CG: Maybe. I might have to take another class or two at Troy State this summer. It shouldn’t be any problem for me to be ready by August.

TI: Are you excited about the opportunity to help Alabama get the program turned around?

CG: Yeah, I’m excited about it. I’m not going to be able to do it by myself. But I think with some of the guys already there and some of the other new guys, I can go in and help them turn it around.

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