Alabama's 2026 recruiting class can stack up against anyone. One of the headliners of the class was 5-star LB Xavier Griffin, who finished as the No. 2 LB and No. 1 player in the state of Georgia for his class, per the 247 composite.
Griffin has drawn comparisons to Jihaad Campbell due to his versatility. While some believe that his best position down the line will be as an off-ball LB like Campbell, it appears that Griffin has an opportunity to make an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide off the edge.
He's certainly preparing for just that.
In a workout clip posted by his mother on X, Griffin can be seen running in sand and working on his pass-rush moves against blocking dummies.
Flying around in that sand!! Someone always working pic.twitter.com/UVeMgNeJd5
— Jay Clay (@bamamade87) May 19, 2026
5-star Xavier Griffin could make an immediate impact off the edge for Alabama
Griffin may become a factor in Alabama's off-ball LB competition in fall camp. While Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson has seemingly locked up a starting spot, there's a lot of battling going on for the spot next to him. Griffin could put himself in the mix.
Regardless of how that shakes out, it seems inevitable that the 5-star will see snaps as a situational pass-rusher for Kane Wommack's defense. Wommack has made it a major goal to pressure the QB more this year, and with Yhonzae Pierre returning, along with other talented players such as Justin Hill and South Carolina transfer Desmond Umeozulu, Alabama has the potential to take a big step forward in that department.
Griffin could be the wildcard, holding the keys to taking it up another notch.
He's a tremendous athlete with special bend coming off the edge. He showcased his pass-rushing ability during the A-Day scrimmage last month, blowing by Texas transfer Nick Brooks, who was lined up at RT, for what would have been a sack on Keelon Russell if he was allowed to touch the QB.
The biggest question mark on Griffin coming in was his weight. He was listed at just 200 pounds coming out of high school, but he has quickly gone through a body transformation since arriving early at Alabama. His mother reported that he had put on 18 pounds back in February, and that was just after a single month on campus.
He's gotten bigger since then, if Alabama's official roster is accurate. The Crimson Tide lists Griffin at 222 pounds. With the season still over three months away, there's a good chance the 5-star can get close to 230 pounds by the time Alabama kicks off against East Carolina in early September.
Whatever role he ultimately plays, it's becoming increasingly clear that Griffin is going to get on the field as a true freshman.
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