Ryan Griffin may be a California native but he is no stranger to the New Orleans heat. Griffin was a four-year started for the Tulane Green Wave who appeared in 42 games with 39 starts, completing 836 of 1,396 passes for 9,026 yards, 79 touchdowns and 35 interceptions.
During his senior campaign, he started all nine games he played in and was an honorable mention All-Conference USA selection after completing 245 of 394 passes (62.2 percent) for 2,771 yards with 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, ranking second in the conference in passing yards per game (307.9). Griffin is competing in the battle for the backup quarterback position against veterans Seneca Wallace and Luke McCown.
Did having a relationship with Drew Brees prior make it easier coming into the meeting room?
"I was able to watch him. Just being to watch and see how he carries himself kind of gives me an idea."
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Before signing with the team, did Curtis Johnson give you any advice?
"We had two coaches, Curtis Johnson who is our head coach and Mike Neu is our quarterback coach who was a scout here. I was definitely able to rely on both of them with any question I had on how stuff rolls and how camp was going to go. They're guys I'm constantly in contact with asking questions."
The veteran quarterbacks have 33 years of experience combined. What is that like?
"I'm just trying to look at it as an opportunity. I'm just trying to learn from them because they all have tons of experience in all different aspects of the game. Each one has a different story and I have something to learn from each one of them. I'm just trying to do my best."
What has been your hardest thing to adapt to?
"There is just so much more you can do in an NFL offense. In college you are kind of restricted because of the time, you have to go to class and do homework. You can't really put as much in. I'm just trying to pick up on all of the little stuff and extra added details."
What's the secret behind a really good protein shake?
"I'm just trying to make each one with that special recipe. A little extra effort, that's the secret."
