AHS’ Kence Griffin ‘bringing that spark’ to Ua-monticello
TEXARKANA, Ark. — Arkansas High defensive lineman Kence Griffin is committed to continuing his football career at the University of Arkansas-monticello.
He left his mark this past year for the Razorbacks. He was named All-state, All-conference, was nominated for the Arkansas Activities Association All-star Game and the Arkansas vs. Texas Fellowship of Christian Athletes All-star Game.
“Kence was absolutely dominant all year. He’s huge. He’s a very big human that absolutely just dominated the entire year for us,” said Trey Outlaw, Arkansas High head football coach. “He would get doubleand triple-teamed and it didn’t seem to matter. There was so much focus on him it allowed other players to excel.
“He’s going to be very hard to replace. You don’t get very many guys that are his size with his athleticism.”
Griffin said the opportunity to play college ball means everything to him.
“To be honest, when I first got to Arkansas High, my hopes of going to that next level were slim to none,” Griffin said. “That changed because of everyone here let me be who I am as a person and a player. Coach Outlaw has my back 1,000 percent. That phrase ‘iron sharpens iron,’ that’s what my team did for me. They won’t let you not be great.
“There were days I didn’t feel good, I was hurting. I was tired. They wouldn’t let me slack off. They hold you accountable.”
He knows playing football at the college level will be a lot more challenging.
“I know I’ve got to grind and earn it all over again. I’m going to bring that emotion and passion for the game,” Griffin said. “I’m bringing that spark that lifts the team and gets the team going. I’m excited for the competition. I’m always up for a good challenge and I love to compete. I don’t like to lose.
“At the next level, I feel like the players are going to be different. It’s going to be faster. The windows will be smaller. To prepare for that I’m getting my body faster and stronger.”
After college, Griffin hopes to continue his football career professionally but will pursue a degree in business or engineering as a backup plan.
“I’ve learned from my coaches and this team that no matter what has happened in the past you can look toward to the future because anything can happen if you just stay faithful and keep working.”