Clemson Safety Kylon Griffin on Interception Return, 'Turf Monsters are Real'

After a slow start that saw No. 10 Clemson (5-1, 4-0) fall behind 0-7, the Tigers stormed back with a dominant 49-14 win over Wake Forest (2-4, 1-2) on Saturday. While the offense eventually found its rhythm, the Clemson defense played a pivotal role, particularly safety Kylon Griffin, whose crucial interception swung momentum in the Tigers’ favor.

Wake Forest had jumped ahead in the first quarter with a touchdown, but Clemson quickly responded when quarterback Cade Klubnik connected with wide receiver Antonio Williams for a 22-yard score early in the second. From there, the defense took over with back-to-back interceptions (the second by safety Khalil Barnes), and the offense scored touchdowns on six of seven drives. 

“It was a play that we had worked on all throughout the week," said Griffin, as he described his second quarter pick. "I really just tried to apply what we had been working on, stay calm in the moment, and make the play.”

While Griffin’s interception led to a one-yard touchdown run by Phil Mafah, it also could have been a pick-six. After stepping in front of a receiver at Wake's 35-yard line, Griffin sprinted toward the end zone, only to inexplicably stumble on the 23.

"Turf monsters are real,” Griffin laughed. “I got a little excited. So, it’s gonna be six next time.” 

With the missed opportunity for his first career touchdown, Griffin’s secondary teammates gave him a hard time on the sideline. “Secondary? The whole team," Griffin said with a smile. "It’s all fun and games, but there’s a side of me where you know, you’ve got to make that play.”

Griffin has three interceptions in 209 career snaps. So, stumble aside. He's made the most of his opportunities on the field.

"I think everybody should take advantage of their opportunities once they get it. You want to be prepared for the opportunity and not get it, than unprepared when you do get it. We all just try to be locked in day by day, and when that opportunity comes, take advantage of it."

Of his career snaps, 149 have come in 2024, placing him third among the safeties, trailing only RJ Mickens (290) and Barnes (289). He made his first and only start against Georgia. 

Griffin’s confidence has surged this season with increased playing time. "I think confidence has improved a lot, even before the interception Saturday," he said. "I think I took huge steps in just getting better each and every week, whether that's coverage, communication, tackling -- anything."

The three-star recruit and Montgomery, AL native was a late addition to the Tigers' 2022 recruiting class, committing on Jan. 25, 2022, just before National Signing Day after decommitting from Mississippi State on Dec. 1, 2021. The program has a track record of developing talent, particularly players like Vic Burley, Hunter Renfrow, Isaiah Simmons, etc., who needed time to adjust to the collegiate level.

How satisfied is Griffin with his current development?

"Extremely," he replied. "My freshman year, I wasn't ready. I knew that. Everybody wants to come in and play fresh out of high school, but sometimes you just got to have that self awareness and be able to go on the scout team and get better."

"Even my redshirt freshman year, I still think I wasn't ready," he continued. "But having self awareness, like I said, to take pride and get better. Eventually, you're gonna get there." 

One area where Griffin still sees room for improvement is his vocal leadership. Known for his laid-back demeanor, Griffin admits that past coaches have encouraged him to be more vocal on the field. “Since little league and high school, I got cussed out and fussed at about it,” Griffin said. “But I don’t look at it as a bad thing. As long as I’m communicating and we’re on the same page on the field, that’s what matters, right?”

While he’s comfortable in his leadership style, the redshirt sophomore recognizes that safeties coach Mickey Conn and head coach Dabo Swinney would love for him to step up vocally. "I'm honestly trying to work on it, instead of just being to myself and kind of standoffish -- because that's how I can be sometimes -- off the field, in the locker room," Griffin shared. "I'm trying to work on that and not saying, I'm not close with my teammates. I am. There's times when you just want to be alone and have a clear head space."

Griffin is proving to be a key piece of Clemson’s defense this season, even if his quiet leadership style and the occasional "turf monster" keep him grounded.