In his three years with the Ottawa REDBLACKS, linebacker Frankie Griffin has ascended the depth chart, positioning himself to be an integral part of the defence in 2024.
Through 30 games of CFL experience, the Texas State at San Marcos alum has tallied 117 tackles and an interception, and is coming off his best statistical season in 2023. Over the winter, Griffin inked a contract extension that will keep him in the nation’s capital through 2025, which comes with matching expectations.
No longer does Griffin view himself as the youngster learning the game, he’s now a veteran who is expected to contribute in a meaningful way. While training in Austin, Texas in the offseason, a two-and-a-half hour drive away from his hometown of Houston, Griffin set his sights on taking the next step, and putting together his most complete season to date.
“This is the season to show the league that I’m a force to be reckoned with,” he said. “I got my feet wet last year, I stayed consistent, and made some big plays, but this is the year for me to set the tone.”
Griffin first started games in 2022, making eight appearances with the first unit, but injury limited his time on the field. Looking back now, he says he’s a smarter player than he was back then, as he has adjusted to the Canadian game, and found comfort in the REDBLACKS’ scheme.
“Everything has slowed down for me,” Griffin said. “I feel more comfortable within the defence, I’m able to play fast, and I don’t have to think as much. Playing with the same group of guys helps a lot, because I know where everyone is going to be, and how guys will play certain things.”
Training camp and the preseason are now in the rearview, and the REDBLACKS head on their bye week, eagerly waiting for their Week 2 meeting with the mighty Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who have appeared in four consecutive Grey Cup games.
How the REDBLACKS’ season will play out will only be known with time, but thus far, Griffin says everything has been overwhelmingly positive.
“This year just feels different,” he said. “I feel different when I’m out there on the field. I’ve been moving smoother, more confidently, so I’m excited to let it loose.”
Last season, communication was often talked about as an issue for the REDBLACKS’ defence, but coming into this season, the coaching staff has placed incredible importance on relationships in an effort to rectify the shortcomings of a year ago.
“The communication has been smooth,” Griffin said. “Everybody is on the same page, and within Barron’s defence, we’re able to adjust certain things or play things differently. We can really have fun without having to think a lot, it’s a defence designed for players to make big plays.”
Even with big personalities on the defence, Griffin says everyone has been a pleasure to work with, and they all share the common goal of getting better each and every day.
“We’re all brothers, we’re all really close,” he explained. “Everybody is treating one another as equals, no one [has a big ego]. Everyone is personable, they want to talk and communicate. It’s easy.”
Griffin opts to keep his personal goals for the season under wraps, but regardless of what happens, he knows he wants to see the REDBLACKS return to their winning ways, and make a Grey Cup push in November.
“The main goal is to win games, and be the best player I can be for my team,” he said. “Let’s make it to the playoffs, and then we’ll take it from there.”
