Delans Griffin Leads Talented Clinton Offense

Originally Published: Sep 17, 2009 7:0 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

CLINTON, Oklahoma – Clinton senior Delans Griffin has proven to be one of the most dangerous running backs in the state.

Despite a 31-19 loss in the first game of the season to Weatherford, Griffin broke two different touchdown runs of more than 50 yards. He broke big runs again in the Red Tornadoes’ 34-14 win over Elk City, and helped lead Clinton to its current 1-1 record.

The Red Tornadoes finished 6-1 in district last season and made it to the state semifinals, where they suffered a heartbreaking 34-31 loss to Sequoyah Claremore. Griffin said the team is looking forward to similar success this season.

“Every year, Clinton is good,” Griffin said. “We’re going to try to keep that tradition going. We lost some talent, but I think this year’s team will work a little harder and has a lot more leadership. I think this team is a little better and will do better.”

Because Griffin is Clinton’s most dangerous weapon, the coaching staff will be looking to get him the ball in any way they can. That could include splitting him out as a receiver.

“We’ve got a lot of tailbacks,” Griffin said. “Coach [Mike Lee] wants me to play receiver just to try to make plays.”

Griffin has already made a verbal commitment to Texas Tech, and said he did so because he likes the coaching staff led by Mike Leach and that he like the Red Raider offense, which is frequently one of the most prolific in the nation.

“They’ve been recruiting me the longest, and I like the spread offense and just how they run things,” Griffin said.

Griffin and the Red Tornadoes will next see action Friday against Chandler, which is 0-2.