Shaquem Griffin is a standout LB from Central Florida and is also one of the most talked about, intriguing prospect in this years draft. The red-shirt senior refuses to be denied in any aspect of life. He overcame a disadvantage at birth having a prenatal condition, causing his fingers on his left hand to not fully develop. Griffin had to eventually amputate his left hand at age 4. The Florida native never used that as an excuse. He’s not only a huge success story, but he’s also a very good football player. He earned conference Defensive Player of the Year in his first season at outside LB. In 2017, he followed that up with another first team all-conference performance earning him a trip to the NFL scouting combine and a sure thing to get drafted this upcoming weekend. Shaq turned heads throughout the whole combine.
Some people think I can do three, some people think I can do five, some people didn’t think I could do the bench press. But I did it and competed with everybody else and did 20, and that’s just one step closer to everything I need to accomplish. There’s going to be a lot more doubters saying what I can’t do, and I’m ready to prove them wrong.- Shaquem Griffin after the Bench Press
Griffin was an absolute ‘Beast’ during his combine workouts. He ran a 4.38 40 yard dash, which is by far the fastest for any LB. In Fact, he ran the fastest 40 yard dash for any OLB in the last 18 years. Having one hand also didn’t stop him from participating in the bench press and putting on a show. Griffin put up an impressive 20 bench press reps. If heart was a part of the combine he would dominate that category too. Shaquem Griffin has more heart than anyone in the draft.
Griffin has no limits, he can do it all but does he have the size to play OLB with the SAVAGES in the NFL? Time will tell but for now, he doesn’t care who or what stands in his way. He has conquered a lot more in life than going toe-to-toe with 350 lb lineman. Facing nasty NFL lineman on a daily basis is the easy party, learning to play at a very high level with one hand is a whole other story. Can’t help but watch the NFL draft to see where Griffin comes off the board. Most are picking him to be at best 3rd round, but for Griffin, where he goes doesn’t matter as long as he hears his name called.
