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New Pitt assistant coaches Archie Collins and Cory Sanders have strong recruiting ties in the state of Michigan.
Those two coaches are a big reason for a visitor that Pitt will have next week.
2019 defensive back M.J. Griffin (6-1, 187)from Saline High School (Saline, Michigan) will be in Pittsburgh on Monday for Pitt’s first spring practice.
“I’ve actually been in contact with Pitt since the 9th grade when Coach Hill was there, that’s when our relationship really began,” Griffin said. “After he left Pitt, Coach Archie and Coach Sanders started recruiting me. I’ve known them for a long time so things are clicking.”
Both Sanders and Collins offered and we’re recruiting Griffin while at their previous jobs so the transition and familiarity has been really smooth.
”They’re both really great people,” Griffin said. “I’ve known Coach Archie since I was in 8th grade and he was the first person to offer me a scholarship so him and I are really close.
”I met Coach Sanders this year and we’re really starting to get close too. Knowing these two coaches already really helps out a lot. You can’t go to a school without knowing any of the coaches, familiarity helps a lot.”
Monday won’t be Griffin’s first visit to Pittsburgh to see Pitt and he’s been impressed with the overall city.
“What’s stood out to me about Pitt is just the city, I think it fits me really well,” he said. “On Monday, I wanted to be there to go see Coach Collins and Sanders and make sure our relationship is still good. I want to have a chance to get down there again. I really think Pitt fits my personality.”
At this point, the 3-star defensive back doesn’t hold an offer from Pitt but does have ones from Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa State and a handful of MAC programs, but he has the feeling one is coming from Pitt:
“I have a feeling one (from Pitt) is coming soon. I don’t know how soon but I think one is coming.”
Griffin’s playing style on the field is a big reason for the interest he’s receiving from Pitt and other schools.
“I’m like a war lord on the field. I love to make plays, I’m like a Sean Taylor,” Griffin said. “I would describe myself as a hard-hitter and someone who always makes his tackles. I have speed, I have height and all the things coaches need.”
Could Griffin be the player from Michigan that Pitt lands and starts a pipeline?
Stay tuned.
