Offered DB has long history of working with Mark Stoops

Belleville (Mich.) Saline cornerback MJ Griffin was a top camp performer at Kentucky's Sunday Night Showcase, and that performance led the Cats' staff to offer.

Turns out, Griffin has a long history of working out with, and for, Mark Stoops.

CatsIllustrated.com had a chance to observe Griffin extensively during drills. His competitive streak was obvious and he was never far from the front of the line and maxed out the number of reps he got during one-on-ones.

Turns out, he did enough to impress Kentucky's coaches, earning an offer this weekend.

"I think I did really well but I need to work on staying in front (of the receiving) and working on my feet at the line," Griffin said. "Everything else is fine. I thought the camp was a really good camp, especially talking to Coach Clink and with him coaching me up."

Steven Clinkscale made a strong impression on the Michigan prospect.

"I mean, he's a great guy," Griffin said. "A great personality. I like that in coaches. You can be goofy and funny around players, but there's a time to be serious."

Griffin said he has visited Kentucky about four times between last year and this year.

"I really like the facility, the locker rooms, the player's lounge and even the fields," he said. "I've seen the facilities (since they've been renovated) a couple of times. Maybe about three times. They're really nice. It's way better than what it was before."

So what's Griffin's history with Mark Stoops?

"When he was at Florida State my dad used to take me up there all the time to do drills in front of him. I just kept going to see him and to work out in front of him," Griffin said. "I think that was maybe in sixth grade or so. I love Coach Stoops. I love talking to him. It's like I can remember it just like yesterday when I was a kid at Florida State."

Stoops' specialty is coaching defensive backs and that's another plus in Griffin's mind.

"I would love it if he would coach me up because there are a lot of techniques I could use," he said.

Griffin also has offers from Iowa State, Miami-OH, Toledo and Central Michigan. This summer he's been active on the road, visiting Southern Cal, Iowa, Michigan and Michigan State among others.

He said he has "a lot of interest in Kentucky," but he hasn't narrowed his list down yet.