Shaquill Griffin: ‘I want to gain everybody’s trust so they can count on me’

It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin. After signing a four-year, $3.25 million contract and finishing the season with 59 combined tackles, Griffin watched his twin brother Shaquem join the Seahawks in the draft.

“To see my mom talking, and have my whole family there to enjoy the experience. It was awesome,” said Griffin to 710 ESPN’s Bob, Groz, and Tom. “I was so happy to have my family there to enjoy the moment with us.”

Both brothers played together at the University of Central Florida for years, and now are being reunited. Born with amniotic band syndrome, Shaquem is the first one-handed player drafted into the NFL. His record 40 -yard dash in 4.38 seconds in the Combine further endeared him to scouts after an already stellar college career.

“I’m definitely glad to have him back,” said Shaquill. “I had faith that we were going to pick him up. The picks started flowing in, I started getting nervous, he’s nervous, we were just all over the place. But it was the perfect timing and I know he wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.”

RELATED: Seahawks’ Shaquill Griffin ‘learning something new every day’ from Richard Sherman

Shaquem signed a four-year deal worth $2.8 million. Since joining, Shaquill has taken to showing his twin brother the ropes on life as rookie.

“I’ve been getting on him early about everything, what to do, what not to do, how to carry yourself, what the coach is looking for,” said Griffin. “As a rookie they told me ‘Be seen and not heard.’ You’re a rookie, you pay your dues, and you play ball. That’s what you’re here for.”

For Shaquill, next season is a chance to embrace the added pressure of moving to the left side of defense after the departure of Sherman to the 49ers. He’s looking to improve on his quietly exceptional rookie season, where he started 11 games at right cornerback and ranked fourth in pass breakups and interceptions in the rookie class.

Moving to the left side of defense offers more responsibility

“It’s actually easy being left handed to cope with moving to the other side,” said Griffin. “Now it gives me a chance to take on that number one spot and continue to push everybody else. That’s what I’m working on most this year. I want to gain everybody’s trust, so they know they can count on me.”

“The way I looked at the offseason was just coming back bigger, stronger, and faster. I want to be way better than I was last year.”

Before he left, Bob, Groz, and Tom couldn’t help but ask about the potential speed rivalry between the two brothers.

How is your brother at 30 pounds heavier as fast as you?

“If you know how to run, you just run,” said Griffin, laughing. “I know the coaches are loving his speed right now.”

You’re still a little bit faster, aren’t you?

“He knows that.”

To listen to the full interview with Shaquill Griffin, head here.