5-star EDGE Xavier Griffin’s childhood dream comes true, he has signed with Alabama

Early in his recruitment, five-star EDGE Xavier Griffin shocked many when he committed to USC. The timing was surprising when a decision made before his junior season, but the school choice stunned people even more. Griffin is a southern prospect, an Alabama native who grew up a Crimson Tide fan, and most expected him to stay closer to home. That ultimately proved true.

After decommitting from USC early in 2025, Griffin reset his recruitment. He took visits, evaluated options, and circled back to the schools many believed would be major factors from the start. Texas emerged as the primary challenger, with Florida State and Ohio State also firmly in the mix, but none of them could match what Alabama meant to him.

That connection was rooted in emotion — and home.

“Growing up, I always wanted to play there,” Griffin told Rivals. “I have a picture of me in the Alabama uniform when I was little. Growing up in the state, knowing the tradition, the guys that they put in the league and the championships they’ve won, there’s no way you wouldn’t want to be a part of that.”

In an era where NIL plays a significant role in nearly every high-profile recruitment, Griffin was going to have strong opportunities no matter where he committed. But relationships still carried real weight for him.

A key figure throughout the process was Alabama outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson.

“He had a big part in it because he was probably the most consistent coach with me,” Griffin said. “He’s not a person that’s going to bother you all the time, but at the same time, he’s going to call you at least once a week and check in. My connection with coach Robinson always felt genuine. It doesn’t feel like he has to call you or he’s calling everybody else too. It felt really genuine and he stayed consistent.”

In the end, Alabama had what no other program could match — Griffin’s lifelong connection, a trusted relationship with his future position coach, and the belief that Tuscaloosa was always meant to be home.

Scouting Report

“I think his No. 1 strength is getting after the quarterback. I’ve seen him numerous times in different events, settings, games, practices, and camps. That acceleration, ability to turn up the field and get to the quarterback is what he does best. I’ve seen him line up in the middle, the edge, hand down, and standing up. He’s a very good athlete, a twitchy kid who can move and be explosive.

“I think he needs to continue to get stronger and develop that strength and power part of his game. He is going to get to the quarterback and get him to the ground. To me that’s where at his best. He’s rangy and think he has a good frame to add weight and strength. A lot of upside there for a guy like Xavier coming off the edge. He can also move around, put him in different positions, and be more effective in a defensive scheme.”

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