BOYNTON BEACH – Markwan Griffiths is ready to take his game to new heights this year and beyond.
The 6-foot-3, 175-pound two-way skill position player from Belle Glade (Fla.) made a transfer move recently from Seminole Ridge to Somerset Academy Canyons. The ‘25 Muckstepper spoke on his junior season with the Hawks, the decision to move on and play for the Cougars, and more.
Griffiths finished this past season with the following statistics:
ON OFFENSE
•13 receptions
•191 total yards
•1 touchdown
ON DEFENSE
•25 total tackles
•3 interceptions
•3 forced fumbles
•1 fumble recovery
“What I liked about Seminole Ridge was the way how they expanded the offense,” Griffiths said about his Seminole Ridge experience last season. “They gave us more flexibility because they used to be a Wing-T team and their new offense allowed for the receivers to shine a little bit. Also on the defensive side of the ball, I loved it because I felt like we had an impact in the game, especially when we would shut teams out. On my end, I felt like I could’ve gotten more yards after the catch, and also scored more touchdowns. There was times that I had missed opportunities, but it’s okay.”
Griffiths on his move from Seminole Ridge to Somerset Academy Canyons:
“I like the way they run things, and I feel like it would be a better opportunity to expose myself,” he said.
Griffiths spoke on his relationships with the Somerset Academy Canyons coaching staff.
“When I came over there from Seminole Ridge, all of the coaches were very welcoming and made me feel at home quickly,” Griffiths said. “It felt like I had been there before. I love the way they are organized and very determined to the goals that they have set. The culture there is very good. And they are great at what they do. I’ve learned so much from them in a little amount of time, and I’m very grateful. I feel like they can give me the tools to get to the next level.”
Griffiths on Cougars head coach Alex Gonzalez:
“Coach Gonzo is a great coach,” he said. “I love the way he operates the football team and makes sure that everyone is in check.”
Griffiths on Cougars assistant coach Jose Sime:
“Coach Sime is also a really good coach,” he said. “He is like a mentor to me. I’ve known him since I was little playing for his WCFL Falcons team. The connection has always been the same and he keeps treating me like one of his own.”
Griffiths on Cougars assistant coach Joe Jenco, who is also from Belle Glade (Glades Day alum):
“Coach Jenco is also great,” he said. “I love the way that he can be serious but can have a little humor too. Watching film from last year, I see he has done a great job for the running backs he has coached.”
Griffiths on Cougars defensive coordinator Andrae Rowe:
“Coach Rowe is also a great coach,” he said. “One thing i love about him is he is always giving me tips to make me better, whether it is alignment or my assignment.”
Griffiths on newly minted Cougars offensive coordinator Matt Pica:
“Coach Pica is also a really good coach,” he said. “I learn something new everyday from him. After workouts, we go outside and get some work in. He has given me some tips, and that has made me better. He makes sure that we fix the little things when it comes to drills. So when the time comes, we won’t make that same mistake. Another thing about Coach Pica is he always gives talks after workouts and tells us a little story from his experiences, and it gives me the knowledge to know what and what not to do and how to do it.”
Griffiths currently has no college offers or interest at this time. He went into what his plans are to change the situation at some point.
“In the offseason, I plan to be in the weight room heavy getting bigger, as well as training to get faster and building my endurance,” he said. “My goal for this upcoming season is to put up big numbers. I want to score a lot of touchdowns and make a lot of big plays on both sides of the ball. I want to be the guy that’s in the coaches game plan when they see that they have Somerset Canyons next on their schedule. And for team goals, I want to build chemistry with my teammates and together we go farther in the playoffs than they did last year and make more school history.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Jefferson Lopez/Shotbyjeff (Instagram) and Juniorspixz (Instagram)
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