‘Ornery guy’ Griffin plays his way into OL rotation

University of Hawaii offensive lineman David Griffin could earn an Oscar for being a grouch.

"I only act that way on the field," Griffin said. "I’m usually a nice guy. Whenever I step on the field, I try to switch it on. I try to be aggressive."

Griffin is 6 feet 6 and surprisingly agile for a 315-pounder. But what has vaulted Griffin into leading contender for the right tackle’s job is his enthusiastic temper.

"He’s kind of an ornery guy," head coach Norm Chow said. "That’s what we’ve got to have. He reflects his coach."

This week, the Rainbow Warriors auditioned several blockers to boost an offensive line that was inconsistent against USC in the season opener. The Warriors averaged 0.7 yards per rush. Taylor Graham was sacked seven times in 48 passing situations.

Griffin, who transferred from Mesa (Ariz.) Community College in January, has practiced with the first-team offense this week. While the lineup is not set, Griffin is expected to either start at right tackle or play extensively there. Left tackle Sean Shigematsu is recovering from a bone bruise on his right ankle, and Mike Milovale did not practice Wednesday because of illness.

"It’s whatever coach (Chow) decides," Griffin said. "If he starts me, that’s good. If not, when I get in, I’ll make the best of my time."

The assumption was Griffin was recruited to replace offensive tackle Blake Muir, who decided to transfer. But the junior-college route is not always the quickest path to a starting job.

"I think it’s harder," UH strength coach Gary Beemer said. "If you’re a freshman in a Division I program, there’s a strength coach and, normally, a nutritionist and a meal program. You start developing immediately. In junior college, if there’s a strength coach, it might not be a full-time professional guy. There aren’t a lot of meal options."

Griffin said he never had a consistent weight-training program until joining the Warriors. His goal was to improve his upper-body strength.

Beemer said Griffin had "some biomechanical issues. He had some joint issues where he’s tight in some places, which really limited him in the weight room."

Beemer said Griffin managed to decrease body fat and increase lean-muscle mass.

"He increased his work capacity, so he’s in shape to do what he needs to do," Beemer said.

Griffin said: "It’s still a process. I have to get better every day."

He added: "I like to compete. I try to be the best in everything I do. When there’s competition, I don’t like to lose."