One of the most anticipated freshmen for Alabama this fall will be 5-star Xavier Griffin.
The Swiss Army Knife defender has often been compared to former Tide LB Jihaad Campbell. Throughout the recruiting process, that was the name that was always closely associated with Griffin's skill set.
Being that Campbell was a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Philadelphia Eagles and enjoyed a strong rookie season, it's certainly a lofty comparison for Griffin to live up to.
Former Georgia pass rusher Marcus Howard just set the bar even higher.
In speaking to Charlie Potter of BamaOnline, Howard compared Griffin's twitch and explosiveness to former Alabama superstar - and the reigning NFL DPOY runner-up - Will Anderson:
Pass rush specialist sees a former Alabama All-American in freshman linebacker Xavier Griffin's game.
— Charlie Potter (@Charlie_Potter) July 14, 2026
"He's explosive and twitchy like Will (Anderson)," @Mhoward38 tells BamaOnLine. "... I can see a lot of similarities."
🔗 https://t.co/2DtdOhfyw8 (On3+) pic.twitter.com/uNs4z3bz2w
5-star Xavier Griffin could make a significant difference for Alabama off the edge as a freshman
If the Anderson comparison is even remotely accurate, Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack won't have a choice but to get Griffin on the field this fall. Anderson was an immediate starter for Nick Saban's defense as a freshman in 2020 and played a major role in the Crimson Tide capturing the national championship.
Anderson went on to have dominant sophomore and junior seasons for Alabama before becoming the No. 3 overall pick to the Houston Texans. His first three NFL seasons have gone similarly, and the Texans just rewarded him with a monster 3-year, $150 million contract extension.
Griffin has the ability to play either on or off-the-ball as a LB in Wommack's system. He could ultimately split time between the two spots.
But if Howard's assessment is right and he has the potential to impact the game as a pass rusher like Anderson did, then there's really no argument that he should be doing anything else but getting after quarterbacks.
Alabama needs some complementary pass-rushing pieces to go alongside Yhonzae Pierre, who had a breakout campaign in 2025 and could push to lead the SEC in sacks this season. Alabama has rising sophomore Justin Hill returning and added South Carolina transfer Desmond Umeozulu in the Transfer Portal. If Griffin can emerge as a freshman, then the Crimson Tide suddenly has a plethora of capable game-wreckers off the edge.
Griffin has been putting in the work this offseason to make an instant impact in Tuscaloosa. He has put on the necessary weight to hold up in the SEC.
In the A-Day scrimmage, he looked quick and explosive off the edge. While he still could compete for the starting LB spot alongside Caleb Woodson, the smart money is on Griffin finding his home off the edge for Alabama and for him to be one of the most impactful freshmen in college football in 2026.
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