Note: The following appears in the Syracuse football gameday program.
Griffin Batt has spent the last few years living out a dream of running down the Hill and suiting up as a Clemson Tiger that began when he was seven years old.
Batt, a Clemson native, grew up immersed in the program’s culture. From a young age, he envisioned donning the Tiger Paw, praying nightly for the chance to one day be a part of the team he had supported his entire life.
“That dream started when I was seven. I wanted to run down the Hill and be a part of this program, and I prayed for it every single night.”
His prayers were answered when he committed to Clemson as a junior. He described his first time running down the Hill as surreal.
“It was a dream come true. It was an answer to prayer and a moment where I saw how faithful God has been to me.”
Now in his final year, Batt reflected on four unforgettable years as a Tiger. He first saw game action as a freshman and remembered how quickly things became real.
“I remember being in the huddle, and a lot of us were looking around the stadium in awe. But then Coach (Dabo) Swinney said, ‘Let’s go,’ and that snapped us into focus. That’s when I realized this is what we work for.”
Throughout his career, Batt has collected memories on and off the field. He highlighted comeback victories at Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech in 2024, as well as extended playing time against App State. One meaningful moment came during this year’s game against LSU, when his brother, recovering from a broken pelvis, was able to attend his first game since the injury.
“He hadn’t left the house in a month after undergoing multiple surgeries and spending 11 days in the hospital. To have him there was something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Batt is embracing every part of the journey in his final season as a Tiger.
“I want to make memories that last a lifetime and leave with no regrets. Even the tough moments, I’m excited for them, because I know this is my last year.”
A tight-knit group of friends has been a major part of Batt’s experience at Clemson. He is especially close with teammates Clay Swinney and Trent Pearman, high school teammates at nearby D.W. Daniel High School and friends since kindergarten.
“We’ve known each other our whole lives. It’s rare to grow up with your best friends and then get to play college football with them.”
Outside of football, Batt has taken full advantage of opportunities through the P.A.W. Journey program. He participated in a microinternship with a real-estate firm in Greenville, a service trip to Italy and a leadership retreat at Segars Ranch in Montana.
“Each one taught me something different. I learned how stressful interviewing can be, and I got closer to my teammates on the Italy trip. I even learned about farming in Montana.”
Batt plans to pursue a career in strength & conditioning and will take his certification exam in the spring. He hopes to stay connected to the world of sports.
As he nears the end of his Clemson journey, Batt has a simple message for Tiger fans.
“I want to say thank you. As a hometown kid, this has been a dream come true. I grew up watching every game, and now I’ve lived it. That’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”
