By: J. Daniel Pearson
Terrence “TJ” Griffin, St. Cloud’s talented multi-purpose football player, will continue his career at Mount Union University next season – signing scholarship papers in a Thursday afternoon ceremony before family, teammates and coaches at the Bulldog’s Gymnasium.
Griffin, a four-year letter winner and three-year starter, has been a mainstay in the St. Cloud lineup – helping the team to 20 wins over the last three seasons. As a senior, he was a two-way standout, leading the team in rushing with 408 yards and finishing second in receptions with 44 catches for 711 yards. He scored five touchdowns and also had 13 tackles and an interception on defense. He was named to the Orange Belt Conference and the local newspaper’s All-County team.
For his career, Griffin went over the career 2500-yard mark in all-purpose yards with 1452 rushing yards, 1031 receiving yards and 34 return yards. He scored 25 career touchdowns.
He will be joining one of the most successful Division-III schools in the nation.
Located in Alliance, Ohio, Mt. Union is coming off a 14-1 record where their only loss came to North Central in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl National Championship game. The Purple Raiders have gone 96-6 in the last eight seasons. , They have not lost a regular season game since 2016 and were the 2017 national champions. They also played in the national championship game in 2023 and 2019.
“It’s a great program and they are getting a great player and a great individual,” Bulldogs coach Michael Short said. “I can tell you that when talking with their coaches, they were very high on TJ and really wanted him there.”
Although he projects to be a defensive back for Purple Raiders, Short said the coaches also mentioned that using him on offense and returning kicks was not out of the question. “They defensive coaches were really excited about him, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they also use him on offense. He’s a really explosive player who could contribute on either side of the ball.”
Griffin says he’s just happy things worked out with Mount Union.
Although many schools discussed opportunities for him, he felt at home with the Raiders. “The program is all about winning and that is what really appealed to me,” Griffin said. “I felt it was a great fit. I loved the school, the coaches and the players that I met and just feel I have been presented with a terrific opportunity to continue my career at the next level with an exceptional program.”
Although he is projected as a defensive back, he says he would look for any opportunity to contribute on offense and/or special teams. “If they want me on defense, I’ll play defense, but to tell the truth, I love offense. I mean, who doesn’t like to score touchdowns?”
Griffin said he would like to major in either sports science or sports business at Mount Union.
