Ashburn, Va. — Broad Run High School rising junior Mitch Griffis has made an early verbal commitment to continue his football career at Wake Forest University beginning in the 2020-2021 academic year.
“It feels great to be committed because it has been my lifelong dream to play Division I football,” Griffis said. “Now, I can focus on my last two years of high school and being the best I can for my team.”
[adrotate banner=”19″]Since more than 90% of Division I Football Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks are taller than 6 feet, Griffis – who stands at 5-foot-10-and-a-half – has his work cut out for him. He has proved doubters wrong so far, however, earning first team All-Potomac District and All-LoCo honorable mention honors in 2017. His height actually played a major role in his decision to join the DI Demon Deacons.
“I chose Wake Forest because it is a perfect fit for me offensively,” Griffis said. “The way they create passing lanes helps a short QB like me. They were one of the first schools to believe in me.”
Led by fifth-year head coach Dave Clawson, the Demon Deacons – including Briar Woods product Cam Serigne (2013) – finished their 2017 campaign with an 8-5 record, including a 4-4 mark in the deep Atlantic Coast Conference. The Demon Deacons are certainly on the rise, as their four ACC wins in 2017 matched Wake Forest’s total conference wins from 2015 and 2016 combined.
“I think I will be able to help them compete for an ACC title,” Griffis said. “That is the level they are playing at.”
And it’s the level Griffis will strive for at Broad Run this fall.
After platooning at quarterback his freshman year at Broad Run, the Ashburn-native assumed the full-time starting role in 2017, leading the Spartans to a 10-2 finish and a trip to a VHSL Region 5C semifinal.
In 2018, Griffis will once again join forces with running back Tim Baldwin to form a backfield that will rank among the most daunting in Virginia.
“Playing for Broad Run has been a dream come true,” Griffis said. “Ever since I was in second grade, I have dreamed of playing in the maroon and gold. Being able to wear that jersey on Friday nights is something I will never forget.”
The maroon and gold uniform gained its significance to Griffis nearly a decade ago after his dad Matt took over the program in 2010. Over the past eight years, Coach Griffis has led the Spartans to a 69-27 record, including seven appearances in the VHSL playoffs.
“I am so lucky to be able to share this experience with him,” the younger Griffis said. “I would not trade it for the world.”
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