McGriff Provides Silver Lining in Defeat

Oct. 15, 2010

While KU looks to put their loss to rival Kansas State behind them, one Jayhawk will be thinking about Thursday night’s game for a long time to come. That’s because freshman wide receiver Erick McGriff caught the first three passes of his collegiate career.

“It was exciting,” said McGriff. “I was just ready to go in and help out anyway I could and it was great that it came at a time like that.”

That time came in the third quarter when quarterback Jordan Webb tossed a pass to McGriff in between two Wildcat defenders and 13 yards later, the ball was placed on the Kansas 41-yard line and the freshman from Tampa had his first catch as a Jayhawk.

“I’ve been definitely waiting for a while,” said McGriff, who finished the night with three catches for 37 yards. “Coach (Gill) is always telling me to just be ready because you never know when your number is going to be called.”

Also waiting for McGriff’s chance was his father, former major league baseball star Fred McGriff, who just happened to be in the stands to see his son’s first career catch.

“He’s been to most of the games so far this year,” said a smiling McGriff. “But this was probably his favorite one.”

McGriff’s other two catches also came in the third quarter, one on a six-yard pass from Webb and the third on the very next play, good for 18 yards and a first down near mid-field.

Other members of the Jayhawk receiving corps with notable nights included senior Jonathan Wilson who reeled in eight catches for 62-yards and sophomore Brad McDougald who caught four balls for 65-yards. Junior Daymond Patterson also contributed 65-yards on four catches.

While those three receivers merely added to their season totals, Thursday night’s performance was one that McGriff looks to build a career on.

“I think I definitely took a step forward,” he said. “I’m glad I was just to get out there and show my teammates what I can do.”