5-star Xavier Griffin was one of the prizes for Alabama's 2026 recruiting class. Billed as a Jihaad Campbell clone, there was little doubt that he would eventually play a major role for the Crimson Tide. It was only a question of when, not if, that would happen.
The only potential thing holding him back was his weight. Griffin arrived at Alabama at 200 pounds, but is now listed at 228 on the official roster. He's put in the work to transform his body and position himself for immediate playing time as a freshman.
There now seems to be little doubt that Griffin is going to have a role on Alabama's defense. The only question that remains is how much of one.
Kane Wommack sung the praises of his freshman LB after Tuesday's practice.
[He's] doing a really good job," Wommack said. "It’s hard to play the linebacker position, and we’re asking him to do multiple things in that room. He has value as a pass rusher. He did that for most of his high school career. What was really cool is his senior year he got to play as a stack ‘backer and took his game to another level.
"Chuck Morrell’s done a fantastic job with him. I came in here, whatever it was, 6 am this morning, and they’re meeting one-on-one, spending time. We’re working to get him ready. I think he’s gonna have a role for us this year. He’s doing a really nice job.”
Kane Wommack says Xavier Griffin is going to have a role for Alabama this year
During media viewing periods, Griffin has been working almost exclusively with Morrell and the off-ball linebackers. He may play a role in that spot at some point this year, but with Caleb Woodson, Luke Metz, QB Reese, and others, there's a lot of competition for snaps.
But his future is there as a versatile weapon, and Wommack and Morrell are getting him ready to play that position, just like Campbell did.
But as a freshman, Griffin's path to playing time has always been obvious. He's got a high level of skill as a pass rusher, something that Wommack noted on Tuesday. Onlookers from Thursday's scrimmage noted that Griffin got a lot of snaps off the edge.
Alabama has to get more production out of the pass rush this season. Wommack knows what he has in Yhonzae Pierre, who could be one of the top pass rushers in college football this season. But they need production outside of Pierre.
Guys like Justin Hill, Desmond Umeozulu, and Jah-Marien Latham will try to fill that void, too. But Griffin might be the best bet.
He's got a natural skill and speed off the edge that makes him tough to deal with. The added weight will allow him to hold his own against tackles and tight ends, and should help him stay healthy during the long college season.
Griffin has a bright future. He's got the developmental traits to become one of college football's best linebackers down the line. Even as a freshman, his immense talent is going to make it impossible to keep him off the field in some capacity.
Look for Griffin to be a weapon immediately in Wommack's defense, and one who could provide exactly what the Crimson Tide has been looking for.
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