Making The Big Plays
September 12, 2023 | Football
Tulu Griffin is already making the most out of his senior season.
STARKVILLE – Lideatrick Griffin is without a doubt one of the most explosive playmakers in the Southeastern Conference.
The moment that the ball touches his hands, the young man better known as Tulu is off to the races. Whether he's breaking tackles on a kick return or hauling in a beautiful catch while in stride to the end zone, it's just another day on the field for the talented wide receiver.
The big plays seem to come naturally to Griffin, who is already making the most of his senior season at Mississippi State.
"I've just been capitalizing off of the opportunities that I get," Griffin said.
Griffin sprang to life in Saturday's victory over Arizona and played a massive role in helping the Bulldogs pick up the quality win. He hauled in a team-high five receptions for 83 yards and quarterback Will Rogers found Griffin for a pair of touchdowns as well. It marked the second time in Griffin's career that he has scored multiple receiving touchdowns in a game. Given his attitude and desire to lead his team to the top, it's easy to see how he was able to put together yet another impressive outing.
"Whenever I get the ball in my hand, in my mind, I'm just thinking to score," Griffin said. "I expect big plays every time I get the ball, but then again I just let the plays come to me."
Griffin provides a spark that boosts his teammates and is an example to the Bulldogs' rookie wide receivers. Rogers explained what it's like to work with one of his top targets on the field and how much getting to work under well-respected coaches has helped Griffin stand out on offense.
"Anytime he touches the ball, it could be a house call," Rogers said. "I think it's a credit to Coach [Kevin Barbay] and Coach [Chad Bumphis]. They're finding really creative ways to get him the ball, moving him around a little bit."
Anyone who has watched Griffin play a down of football has likely seen just how elusive he is. Add to that a playbook that showcases mobility and change, and it suddenly becomes a lot harder to stop him.
"If you keep him in one spot, defenses can plan around him and limit his touches, but we're doing a good job of moving him around and getting [him] the ball as much as possible," Rogers said.
There's much more to Griffin's game-day experience than just what he does on the field. According to him, getting to see some loved ones ahead of the big game is his favorite memory each and every time.
"I think it's the Dawg Walk, when I get to see my son and my mom," Griffin said.
But once he's carrying the ball across the goal line, he's got a different favorite group in the stadium that he loves to find time to celebrate with.
"I really love the student section," Griffin said. "It's like every time I get to score on that side of the field, I always have to go to the student section."
Griffin and the Bulldogs plan to see Davis Wade Stadium packed out as they face LSU on Saturday morning. It's going to be a busy weekend in Starkville, and the town is already buzzing with anticipation. The fans have been loud and proud through the year's first couple of games, and it looks like that won't be stopping anytime soon.
"It's been crazy with the crowd, because it feels like it gets louder and louder every game," Griffin said. "I know with this early SEC game, I know it's going to be loud."
Even with the excitement, Griffin has no intentions of swaying from his game. He's going to go sprint out onto the gridiron and do what he does best: be a playmaker.
"[I'll] just dial in on the details and just go out there and have fun and play football," Griffin said.
