Division III Week Student Spotlight – DeAnte' Griffith
This week is NCAA Division III Week and member institutions across the country are celebrating the ninth-year event.
Division III Week is intended to recognize the academic and athletic accomplishments as well as the campus leadership and community service efforts of Division III student-athletes.
As part of Huntingdon College's participation in Division III Week, student-athletes will be featured this week. DeAnte' Griffith and Vanessa Maldonado are today's featured student-athletes.
By Adam Mann
Sports Information Assistant
Name: DeAnte' Griffith
Year: Senior
Hometown: Athens, Ala.
Major: Exercise Science
Sport: Football
Athletic Accomplishments: Griffith was a four-year member of the football team and a part of three USA South Athletic Conference championships, three NCAA playoff appearances and the second playoff victory in program history. A two-time All-Conference selection on the defensive line, he was the USA South Defensive Rookie of the Year and the Huntingdon College Male Newcomer of the Year as a freshman and ended his career ranked fifth in program history in sacks. A team captain as a senior, he finished his career with 105 tackles, 12 sacks, 18 ½ tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and five passes broken up.
Academic Achievements and Campus Activities: Griffith has been named to the Dean's List of High Honors, the USA South Academic All-Conference team and the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame's Hampshire Honor Society. He has been a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Student Government Association, Student Alumni Association, the Pre-Health Club and has served as a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader and Huntingdon Ambassador.
What made you feel like Huntingdon was the right place for you? "The loving and welcoming environment created by everyone on campus on my first visit to the school. I was treated like I was already part of the family before I even knew I was going to be and I believe that's what made me know Huntingdon was the place for me to grow mentally, physically and spiritually."
As a student-athlete, what is your impression of Division III now compared to your first season? "There is so much work that is put in at this level. From what I have seen, bigger programs might have better facilities, but it doesn't necessarily matter what you have. What matters is what you do with what you have."
With the COVID-19 pandemic changing the world we live in, what have you learned about the compassion and resiliency of your friends, family and classmates? "There has been so much love spread through the Huntingdon College community that not being there in person only does so much harm due to everyone wanting to spread their love and help each other out any way they can."
If you could offer one piece of encouragement at this time to your friends, family and classmates, what would it be? "Obstacles will continue to come in your way all your life. Some things are out of our control, but you can keep a positive attitude and control the controllable."
What advice would you give our current underclassmen and incoming recruits to better prepare them for the next few years? "Work as hard as you can in everything you do, no matter if it's school, networking or playing sports. Having a great start will make everything fall in line and be that much easier on the back end."
How has your experience at Huntingdon prepared you for life after Huntingdon? "There have been so many people to help lead me in the right direction and teach me new things here. I have learned to not always turn away help, especially when there are so many people who care about you and want to see you succeed. I've learned there will be situations and circumstances in life that won't be in your favor. But, it's not about what happens, it's about how you respond."