In the landscape of college football, quarterbacks are often defined by their stat lines, highlight-reel throws, and the roar of the crowd when they lead their team to a thrilling victory. For most programs, the spotlight rarely drifts far from the starter, and even the backup usually draws some attention for being just one snap away from action. But for the third-string quarterback, the narrative is different. They exist in the shadows, working quietly, often without the promise of game-day glory, yet still serving as an essential cog in the machine that is a successful football program. For Texas Tech, that quiet contributor is Mitch Griffis, and his influence on the Red Raiders extends far beyond the depth chart. Griffis’s role is not defined by touchdowns or passing yards, but by the steady, behind-the-scenes leadership and commitment that are shaping the very culture of Texas Tech football.
Mitch Griffis arrived in Lubbock with more experience and maturity than the typical player slotted as a third-string quarterback. Having previously played at Wake Forest, he brought with him a background of high-level competition, game preparation, and understanding of the mental demands of being a quarterback at a Power Five school. That experience gave him instant credibility among his teammates, even if he wasn’t the one taking the majority of reps with the starting offense. From day one, Griffis approached Texas Tech not as a stopgap or a placeholder, but as someone who could pour into the program and leave it better than he found it. That mindset alone has made him an important figure in the locker room.
In many ways, Griffis’s influence comes from his ability to relate to every player on the roster. He’s been the starter before, facing the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with being the guy under center. He’s been the backup, preparing each week just in case his number was called. And now, as the third-string quarterback, he’s living the reality of contributing in ways that don’t necessarily involve playing on Saturdays. That versatility of perspective gives him a unique understanding of what his teammates are going through, whether they’re fighting for playing time, dealing with the mental grind of the season, or struggling to balance football with the demands of college life.
One of the areas where Griffis’s impact is most visible is in the quarterback room. Quarterback is one of the most mentally demanding positions in sports, requiring a deep grasp of the playbook, defensive reads, timing, and leadership. Even though he may not be the one leading the offense on Saturdays, Griffis helps push the starter and backup to be sharper in their preparation. He’s often the one staying late after meetings, talking through coverages, suggesting tweaks in practice, or helping break down film for opponents. This kind of collaboration raises the level of the entire position group, ensuring that when Texas Tech steps onto the field, every quarterback is better prepared because of his presence.
Griffis’s role also extends into practice, where the third-string quarterback can easily fade into the background—but not him. Instead of treating practice reps as routine or inconsequential, he approaches them with intensity, often simulating opposing quarterbacks for the scout team to help the defense prepare. His accuracy, timing, and understanding of opposing offenses make those reps more realistic, giving the defense a better look and sharpening their readiness for game day. It’s a contribution that doesn’t show up in a box score, but one that coaches and teammates notice and value.
Off the field, Griffis has become a quiet leader who leads by example. In a program that is working to strengthen its culture, he embodies the qualities Texas Tech’s coaching staff wants to instill—accountability, work ethic, and selflessness. Younger players, particularly those on the offensive side of the ball, often look to upperclassmen for cues on how to conduct themselves, and Griffis consistently provides the right model. Whether it’s being early to meetings, staying after to get extra work, or encouraging teammates during tough stretches, he sets a tone that others follow. His influence may not be loud, but it’s steady and constant, and that’s often the kind of leadership that lasts.
One of the most striking aspects of Griffis’s approach is his ability to embrace his role without letting ego get in the way. For many athletes, especially quarterbacks, the competitive fire makes it difficult to accept not being the starter. Griffis has managed to balance that competitiveness with an understanding of the bigger picture—helping Texas Tech win in any way he can. This humility not only endears him to coaches but also resonates with teammates, who see that leadership isn’t always about being the face of the program; sometimes it’s about being the glue that holds the team together.
In the weight room, Griffis’s effort matches his approach on the field. He trains with intensity, competing with himself to improve physically even if he’s not preparing for the same game-day workload as the starter. Strength and conditioning coaches often point to players like Griffis as examples of what it means to buy into the program fully. His presence during offseason workouts, his encouragement to teammates, and his refusal to coast through drills help reinforce the standard Texas Tech is working to set.
Beyond the football facility, Griffis’s contributions spill into the community aspect of Texas Tech football. He participates in team events, represents the program in community outreach, and makes a point of connecting with fans, understanding that building a strong culture means bridging the gap between the team and its supporters. These interactions may seem small, but they contribute to the program’s identity, showing that Texas Tech players are not only competitors but also ambassadors for the school and city of Lubbock.
The coaching staff has taken notice of his impact, often citing him as a key figure in helping create a more unified and accountable team environment. While game day naturally belongs to the starters and key contributors, the weeks leading up to those moments are shaped by everyone in the program—and Griffis’s fingerprints are all over that preparation. His football IQ and experience make him a valuable resource for both players and coaches, and his commitment to improvement ensures that he’s always ready if called upon, no matter how unlikely that scenario may seem.
Perhaps the most telling sign of Griffis’s influence is the respect he commands from his teammates. In locker rooms, respect is rarely given freely—it’s earned through consistent effort, reliability, and the willingness to put the team ahead of oneself. Griffis checks all those boxes. Whether he’s working with the first-team offense in a pinch during practice, running the scout team to perfection, or offering a word of encouragement after a tough play, his teammates know they can count on him. That trust builds chemistry, and chemistry builds culture.
As Texas Tech continues to build toward its long-term goals under its current leadership, players like Mitch Griffis are indispensable. They may not be the ones whose names are trending after a big win, but they are the ones ensuring that the team operates smoothly, that younger players understand the standard, and that the culture being built is one that can sustain success over time. In many ways, it’s players in roles like his who shape the trajectory of a program just as much as the stars do.
Mitch Griffis’s journey at Texas Tech is a reminder that leadership comes in many forms and that contributions to a team’s culture often happen far from the cameras. While he might be third on the depth chart, he’s first in demonstrating what it means to be a selfless teammate, a relentless worker, and a culture-builder. His story reinforces the idea that every role matters in football, and that sometimes the players whose impact is hardest to measure are the ones leaving the deepest mark. In the end, when Texas Tech looks back on this period of growth and success, they will see Griffis’s influence woven into the fabric of the program—a quiet but undeniable force shaping the grit and growth of Red Raider football.
